3 ms·

I think key is that both generals have already agreed on a predetermined "meaning" of each coin flip outcome, rather than having to communicate it on a differen

I think key is that both generals have already agreed on a predetermined "meaning" of each coin flip outcome, rather than having to communicate it on a different, slower medium after the coin has been flipped. So really it just front-loads that portion (I.e. removes it from consideration as part of the proposed solution) instead of allowing it to slow down solving the overall problem. It requires precomputation/agreement beforehand, rather than during the time allotted to the problem. The speed of that precomputation would still be unchanged, and still be the slowest portion.

cambalache 6y ago
Yes of course that is why it is not real communication, but in a sense is better than a classical solution because nobody actually knows the final decision until the last second. Of course you could get philosophical and say that an enemy can intercept the quantum coin and measure it, thwarting the plan, so in that sense is the same thing that sending just a pic, but then you will be pulled by the same kind of discussion the physicists has spent the last 100 years doing. Check for example the correspondence between Einstein and Born https://www.amazon.com/Born-Einstein-Letters-1916-1955-Friendship-Uncertain/dp/1403944962 https://www.amazon.com/Born-Einstein-Letters-1916-1955-Frien...