The Mathematics in Toys and Games

As taught in: Spring 2010

A star shaped board with different colored pegs in each corner.

A Chinese checkerboard created by David Levy. (Image courtesy of Stewf on Flickr.)

Instructors:

Jing Li

Prof. Erik Demaine

Melissa Gymrek

MIT Course Number:

SP.268 / ESG.SP268

Level:

Undergraduate

Course Features

Course Description

We will explore the mathematical strategies behind popular games, toys, and puzzles. Topics covered will combine basic fundamentals of game theory, probability, group theory, and elementary programming concepts. Each week will consist of a lecture and discussion followed by game play to implement the concepts learned in class.