Combinatorial game theorists
Combinatorial game theory is a branch of mathematics and theoretical computer science that studies combinatorial gamesgames that have no element of chance and where the players take turns making moves. The focus is primarily on two-player games with perfect information, meaning that both players are fully aware of all previous moves and the state of the game at all times.
Partially solved games
Partially solved games are games for which some knowledge about optimal strategies exists, but the game has not been completely solved. This means that while certain positions or states of the game may have been analyzed to the point of determining the best moves or strategies, not every possible position has been explored exhaustively.
Positional games
Positional games are a type of combinatorial game that involve two players competing to control positions or resources on a board or in a structured environment. These games are often defined by specific rules regarding how players can make moves and how they can claim or occupy spaces. In a typical positional game, players take turns making moves that affect the game state, with the primary objective of achieving a particular configuration or control over the board.
Solved games
In game theory, a **solved game** is a game for which an optimal strategy is known for all players involved. This means that the outcome of the game can be perfectly predicted, given the strategies employed by the players. Solved games typically have a defined structure, including a finite number of positions or states, which allows for thorough analysis.
Blockbusting (game)
Blockbusting is a term used in the context of video games, particularly in puzzle and arcade genres. The concept originated from a classic arcade game called "Breakout," which was developed by Atari in the 1970s. In a blockbusting game, the player typically controls a paddle or a similar object to bounce a ball and break bricks or blocks arranged in a specific pattern on the screen.
Branching factor
The term "branching factor" typically refers to a concept in tree structures, search algorithms, and graph theory, and it describes the number of child nodes or successors that a given node can have. More specifically, in the context of search trees used in algorithms like depth-first search (DFS) or breadth-first search (BFS), the branching factor indicates how many options or paths are available at each step of the exploration.
Bulgarian solitaire
Bulgarian solitaire is a mathematical game or card game-like puzzle that involves a rearrangement of a set of numbers. It can also be played with a pile of cards or chips. The game is played with a certain number of piles of items, which represent the numbers. Here’s how it typically works: 1. **Initial Setup**: Start with a collection of piles of various sizes. Each pile contains a certain number of items, and the total number of items is fixed.
Chomp
Chomp is a two-player mathematical strategy game played on a rectangular grid of squares, representing chocolate bars. The game mechanics are straightforward: players take turns selecting a square, and when a player picks a square, all squares to the right and below it are "chomped" or removed from the game. Here's how it works: 1. The game starts with a chocolate bar represented by a grid of squares.
Chopsticks (hand game)
Chopsticks is a hand game typically played by two or more players. It's a game that involves using fingers to represent numbers, and it can be played with both strategy and skill. The objective is to eliminate all of your opponents' "fingers" (or hands) by touching them and using simple rules of movement and counting. ### Basic Rules: 1. **Starting Position**: Each player starts with one finger extended on each hand (usually two hands).
Clobber
"Clobber" can refer to different things depending on the context. Here are a few common interpretations: 1. **General Usage**: In informal English, "to clobber" means to hit someone hard or to defeat someone decisively. It can also imply overwhelming someone in a competition or argument. 2. **Programming**: In programming and computer science, "clobber" can refer to the act of overwriting existing data or variables, often unintentionally.
Col (game)
"Col" is a minimalist strategy game designed by the company HyperCube, where players navigate a series of interconnected paths while trying to capture points on a grid-like board. The gameplay focuses on strategic movement and positioning while competing against other players or AI. The mechanics often involve simple rules that lead to complex strategies, making it accessible yet challenging. The game is known for its clean aesthetics and thoughtful design, appealing to fans of tactical board games and puzzle-solving.
In combinatorial game theory, "cooling" and "heating" are concepts that pertain to moves and the resulting temperature of positions in certain games. These terms are often used in the context of the strategic elements of a game, particularly in the analysis of positions and the impact of moves on future gameplay. 1. **Cooling**: This refers to moves that make a position less favorable for the player about to move (often termed the "next player").
Cram (game)
Cram is a fast-paced, strategic board game designed for two players. The objective is simple: players take turns placing their pieces on a grid-like board, aiming to create a path from one side of the board to the other while blocking their opponent's path. The game combines elements of tactical maneuvering and spatial reasoning, as players must think ahead, anticipate their opponent's moves, and adapt their strategy accordingly.
Disjunctive sum
The term "disjunctive sum" can refer to a few different concepts depending on context, but it is commonly associated with areas in mathematics and computer science, particularly in the field of logic and set theory. 1. **Mathematics/Set Theory**: In the context of set theory, a "disjunctive sum" might refer to the union of two or more sets, with the understanding that the sets are disjoint (i.e., they have no elements in common).
Domineering
Domineering refers to the behavior or attitude of someone who asserts control over others in an overbearing or authoritative manner. A domineering person often tries to exercise power or influence, making decisions for others or imposing their will on them, often disregarding others' opinions or feelings. This can manifest in various contexts, such as in personal relationships, workplaces, or social situations. Such behavior can lead to an unhealthy dynamic, as it typically creates a power imbalance and can stifle collaboration and communication.
Fibonacci nim
Fibonacci Nim is a variant of the traditional game of Nim, which introduces a unique twist using Fibonacci numbers. In Fibonacci Nim, players take turns removing objects (or stones) from a heap, with the number of objects that can be removed on any turn determined by Fibonacci numbers.
Futile game
"Futile" is a term that can refer to various concepts in gaming or different contexts, but it is often associated with games that might be characterized by a lack of meaningful progress or rewards. However, there isn’t a widely recognized game specifically named "Futile" that has gained mainstream attention or a specific definition in the gaming community as of my last update in October 2023.
Fuzzy game
A fuzzy game typically refers to a game-theoretic model that incorporates concepts from fuzzy set theory. In contrast to traditional game theory, which often relies on precise numerical payoffs and strategies, fuzzy games allow for uncertainty and imprecision in the preferences and strategies of players. ### Key Characteristics of Fuzzy Games: 1. **Fuzzy Payoffs:** In a fuzzy game, payoffs can be represented as fuzzy sets rather than crisp values.
Game complexity
Game complexity refers to the various dimensions and aspects that determine the intricacy of a game. It encompasses multiple factors, including: 1. **Strategic Depth**: The range of strategies available to players and the implications of their decisions. A game with high strategic depth often requires thoughtful planning and offers multiple ways to achieve victory. 2. **Rules and Mechanics**: The complexity of the game's rules and how they interact can significantly affect player experience.
Game tree
A game tree is a graphical representation used in game theory and artificial intelligence to depict the possible moves in a game and their consequences. It is a tree structure where: - Each node represents a game state, which includes the positions of the pieces, scores, and who's turn it is to move. - Each edge (or branch) represents a possible move that can be made from one game state to another. - The root of the tree represents the initial state of the game.