Difference between revisions of "Mathematical game"

Revision as of 07:43, 18 May 2016

A mathematical game is a game whose rules, strategies, and outcomes are defined by mathematics.

Description

Often, such games have simple rules and match procedures, such as ]]Tic-tac-toe]] and Dots and Boxes.

Generally, mathematical games need not be conceptually intricate to involve deeper computational underpinnings.

For example, even though the rules of Mancala are relatively basic, the game can be rigorously analyzed through the lens of combinatorial game theory.

Mathematical core

Often, the arithmetic core of mathematical games is not readily apparent to players untrained to note the statistical or mathematical aspects.

Mathematical puzzles

Mathematical games differ sharply from mathematical puzzles in that mathematical puzzles require specific mathematical expertise to complete, whereas mathematical games do not require a deep knowledge of mathematics to play.

Specific mathematical games and puzzles

Abstract Strategy Games (No chance involved)

Sometimes it is not immediately obvious that a particular game involves chance. Often a card game is described as "pure strategy" and such, but a game with any sort of random shuffling or face-down dealing of cards should not be considered to be "no chance". Several abstract strategy games are listed below:

Lattice board

• Angel problem - "Angels and Devils"
• Arimaa
• Checkers - English draughts
  • Draughts - Checkers variants
• Chess
  • Chess variants
• Chomp
• Domineering
• Dots and boxes
• Go (board game)
  • Go variants
• Hex (board game)
• Hexapawn
• L game
• Phutball - Philosopher's football
• Rhythmomachy

Non-lattice boards and other games

• Graph pebbling
• Hackenbush
• Chopsticks (Hand game)
• Nim
• Sim (Pencil Game)
• Sprouts (game)
• Four Fours

Chance involved or imperfect information

• 24
• Prisoner's dilemma

See also

• Algorithm
• Automata
• Cellular automata
• Conway's Game of Life
• Game
• Hamurabi
• Logic
• Mathematical beauty
• Mathematical logic
• Mathematical problem
• Mathematical puzzle
• Mathematics
• Mathematics and art

External links

• Mathematical game @ Wikipedia
• Interactive Mathematics Miscellany and Puzzles @ Facebook: Cut The Knot Math