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Age 7 to 14 Challenge Level:
Got It is an adding 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.
Start with the Got It target $23$.
The first player chooses a whole number from $1$ to $4$ .
Players take turns to add a whole number from $1$ to $4$ to the running total.
The player who hits the target of $23$ wins the game.
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?
To change the game, choose a new Got It target or a new range of numbers to add on.
Test out the strategy you found earlier. Does it need adapting?
Can you work out a winning strategy for any target?
Can you work out a winning strategy for any range of numbers?
Is it best to start the game? Always?
Away from the computer, challenge your friends:
One of you names the target and range and lets the other player start.
Extensions:
Can you play without writing anything down?
Consider playing the game where a player CANNOT add the same number as that used previously by the opponent.
Click here for a poster of this problem.
NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.