Problem of the Week

PROBLEM 236

My favorite bakery, "That Takes the Cake", is having a special contest to celebrate the tenth anniversary of its opening. On the big day, each customer writes down their birthday along with their order. The first customer whose birthday matches that of an earlier customer gets a year's supply of their favorite pastries. I'd really like to win. Suppose I can get in line wherever I want, but that I don't know anyone else's birthday. What position should I take to maximize my odds?

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