The Gompertz approximation conjecture for ties in the M&M Game

Let Ptie(λ)P_{\text{tie}}(\lambda) denote the probability of a tie in the M\textup{&}M Game, where the probability of flipping heads evolves according to an exponential distribution, and let λ\lambda be the rate parameter controlling how quickly that probability increases as M\textup{&}M's are depleted. For large nn, the Gompertz approximation conjecture. the probability of a tie is primarily governed by λ\lambda and satisfies

Ptie(λ)exp(1.22exp(λ)).P_{\text{tie}}(\lambda)\approx\exp\left(-1.22\cdot\exp(-\lambda)\right).

This is an empirical approximation motivated by simulation results and a Gompertz curve fit; the supplied text gives no proof or resolution, so its status remains open.

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Primary source

Snehesh Das, Steven J. Miller, Geremias Polanco, Yilong Wu, Xiaochen Wang, April Yang and Chris Yao, “Generalizations of the M&M Game”, arXiv:2502.07402 (2026).

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