After trying to solve this most-likely-not-the-hardest-one problem for more than a week I started doubting in my understanding of its statement.

The question is: what does it mean "remaining chains"? Are players enforced to finish up some chain before touching others (and so recursively) or are they allowed to pick ANY chain after breaking up some other?

I.e. what is the answer for the following test:

2
2 1 2
2 1 2

Is it

G
1 1

or is it

S

?

If Gandalf converts chain -1-2- into chain -2- by dematiarilizing ring 1, is Sauron allowed to pick some ring in the other -1-2- chain or is he enforced finish off that -2- remnant of the first chain before getting hands onto the 2nd one?

And what is the answer to this test?

3
3 1 2 3
2 1 2
1 1

Edited by author 21.09.2008 12:17

Answers to both tests are S. Players are allowed to pick any chain in their turn.

Ok, thanks! :)