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Thursday 15 September 2022

Developing Game Strategy - Nim



 In Maths this week we have been looking at the ancient game of Nim (it's known by a variety of names). We have been exploring strategy and the mathematical thinking behind the simple game. 




The way it works: There is a pile of 20 counters. The two players take turns in taking either 1, 2 or 3 counters. The winner is the person who takes the last counter(s).

Simple enough.

We explored different strategies to ensure that we could ALWAYS be the winner. 


We pondered some questions:

How does our knowledge of multiples of 4 help us?

Does the game change if the loser is the person who picks up the last counter(s)?

How can the game be over in 5 turns?

Does taking the first turn effect who wins?




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