I've been delving into game theory recently, and some of the insights it provides can be quite fascinating. While this particular riddle may not have had anything to do (and I'd love it if anyone could confirm or deny it) with the actual decision for the British to wear red uniforms, I think that the insight it gives is still valid (i.e., it would still hold as an unintended consequence). So here's the riddle:
While the thought of wearing a bright, visible uniform (a red coat with shiny buttons) seems silly and provides a disadvantage, in fact, it provides a strong advantage for a unit fighting in the age of muskets and linear formations. Why?
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