I love the crazy stuff I am told to learn about... Today I am reading a mathematical analysis of Jenga. Yes, this is work! Apparently there is a winning strategy.
Ah, but is it a theoretical strategy, or does it take account of the fact that not all the blocks are in fact *exactly* the same, and the fact that the stack is rarely set up perfectly? Also, what if the other player moves the stack in getting a block out?
Oh, theoretical only, most definitely. This is maths after all :)
It's interesting though - the game is basically like Nim (the pick up sticks game). Because you can either take the middle block, leaving two that can no longer be taken, or take an edge block, leaving one left in that layer that can be taken, whoever goes first can eventually force the other player to have to take a block which must collapse the tower.
This assumes neither player ever makes a mistake and collapses the tower before there are no possible moves left. Surely that's not too hard ;)
Comments 5
Reply
I am in agreement with your carpet comment :) And I find getting the other person more drunk than you is a good tactic.
Reply
Reply
Reply
It's interesting though - the game is basically like Nim (the pick up sticks game). Because you can either take the middle block, leaving two that can no longer be taken, or take an edge block, leaving one left in that layer that can be taken, whoever goes first can eventually force the other player to have to take a block which must collapse the tower.
This assumes neither player ever makes a mistake and collapses the tower before there are no possible moves left. Surely that's not too hard ;)
Reply
Leave a comment