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Draw a tree diagram to get started.
 
You could also fill in a table for all possible outputs for, say, the first 5 letters produced to get a feel for the problem and which sequences will win first. 
 
You can also read http://plus.maths.org/issue55/features/nishiyama/ which has answers to the required computations.
 
 

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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