Mathematics of Games

Catalog description

Games and puzzles have been part of human civilization for thousands of years. They strengthen our mental and physical skills while engaging our innate sense of curiosity and competitiveness. From Poker, to Yahtzee, to Sudoku, most games and puzzles have one thing in common: they are overwhelmingly based on the principles of mathematics. In this course, we will examine the mathematical principles underlying a variety of games and puzzles found throughout human history. We will apply a mathematical lens to both probability and non-probability- based games and puzzles in order to understand how rules function within a game and to help determine winning strategies of play. Prerequisite: None. (Offered odd spring terms.) Credits: 4.