I must say, this 'challenge' is a creative idea. However, not to be a wet blanket, but it's rather simple to construct a winning algorithm, particularly if you

I must say, this 'challenge' is a creative idea. However, not to be a wet blanket, but it's rather simple to construct a winning algorithm, particularly if you can both choose the same starting number and always go first (and choose the same starting number multiple times). If I had a few extra minutes at work right now, I'd take a stab at it. ...That is, unless that's the entire point?