Black Path Game (1960)
Black Path Game
The Black Path Game is a two-player board game described and analyzed in Winning Ways for your Mathematical Plays. It was invented by Larry Black in 1960. The game was introduced to the public by Martin Gardner in his October 1963 “Mathematical Games column” in Scientific American.
Why is Black Path Game Popular?
The Black Path Game is significant because it is a topological game that challenges players to create a connected “chain” of counters that link opposite sides of a game board. It is also popular among mathematicians and game enthusiasts because of its simple rules and complex gameplay.
Game Components of Black Path Game
Board ruled into squaresCounters
Game Setup of Black Path Game
One edge on the boundary of the board is designated to be the start of the path. After the first move, the players extend the path away from the starting edge by alternately filling the adjacent square at the end of the current path with one of three configurations.
Gameplay Mechanics of Black Path Game
Players extend the path away from the starting edge by alternately filling the adjacent square at the end of the current path with one of three configurations. The game ends when one player completes a path that connects the two opposite sides of the board.
Game Objective of Black Path Game
The objective of the game is to create a connected “chain” of counters that link opposite sides of a game board.
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