The short answer
For a quick, fair three-way decision, have everyone flip once. If two results match and one is different, the odd one out is chosen. If all three match, flip again. Each person has the same chance.
Method 1: the odd one out
- Give each of the three people a coin, or flip one coin three times and give each flip to a person.
- Flip them all.
- If two show the same side and one is different, the different one is the pick. Agree beforehand whether the odd one out wins or loses.
- If all three match, flip again.
Each round settles the matter 75% of the time, because six of the eight possible outcomes have exactly one odd result. In the other 25%, all three match and you repeat. Every person is equally likely to be the odd one out, so it is fair.
The mistake that makes it unfair
A common shortcut is to flip A against B, then flip the winner against C. It feels natural, but it is not fair. Person C gets a 50% chance, while A and B get only 25% each. Avoid this unless unequal chances are what you want.
Method 2: use a tool built for three
- Random number 1 to 3: use the random number generator with a range of 1 to 3. Give each option a number.
- A six-sided die: roll the dice roller. Let 1 and 2 be the first option, 3 and 4 the second and 5 and 6 the third. Each has a one in three chance.
- Name picker: type the three options into the random name picker and pick one.
Two out of three, one out of three
People sometimes use the same idea for two out of three. Flip three times, and the person whose result differs from the other two is out. For one out of three, the odd one out wins. Always agree on the rule before you flip.
More than three options?
The random name picker and the random number generator work for any number. For a pair of options, a plain decision maker coin does the job. If you want to be sure a method is fair, our guide on how to make a fair decision covers why.
Last updated 2026-10-18.