NRICH: Last Biscuit
This is a game for two players.
This game follows on nicely from Have You Got It?
This is a game for two players. You can play against the computer or with a friend.
It is a version of a well known game called Nim.
Each player can take biscuits in one of two ways:
- By taking any number they like from just one jar or
- By taking the same amount from both jars.
The winner is the person who takes the last biscuit/s.
Play the game several times.
Can you find a winning strategy?
Can you always win?
Does your strategy depend on whether or not you go first?
Look for patterns in your winning moves and use them to find winning strategies.
When you’ve found some winning moves, explain why they work.
Can you describe the winning strategy if the jars start by containing 100 and 50 biscuits?
Printable NRICH Roadshow resource.
Age 11 to 16
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Organization
Website URL
Type of Resource
Tutorial
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Resource k12
This is a game for two players.
This game follows on nicely from Have You Got It?
This is a game for two players. You can play against the computer or with a friend.
It is a version of a well known game called Nim.
Each player can take biscuits in one of two ways:
- By taking any number they like from just one jar or
- By taking the same amount from both jars.
The winner is the person who takes the last biscuit/s.
Play the game several times.
Can you find a winning strategy?
Can you always win?
Does your strategy depend on whether or not you go first?
Look for patterns in your winning moves and use them to find winning strategies.
When you’ve found some winning moves, explain why they work.
Can you describe the winning strategy if the jars start by containing 100 and 50 biscuits?
Printable NRICH Roadshow resource.
Age 11 to 16
What are you looking for?
Organization
Website URL
Type of Resource
Tutorial