Problem #WSP-000210

Problems Discrete Mathematics Algorithm Theory Game theory Winning and loosing positions

Problem

You take nine cards out of a standard deck (ace through 9 of hearts), put them all face up on a table and play the following game against another player:
Both players take turns choosing a card. The first player to have three cards that add up to 15 wins. The ace counts as one.
If both players play optimally, which player has a winning strategy?