How to Win Every Game, with Marcus du Sautoy, Part One
Intelligence Squared
Deep Dive
What is the significance of the Royal Game of Ur in the history of games?
The Royal Game of Ur, dating back 5,000 years, is one of the earliest known board games. It is a racing game where players move counters through 12 squares, which are thought to correspond to the 12 constellations in the night sky. The game reflects early human attempts to understand and simulate the universe's rules, making it a precursor to both gaming and scientific thinking.
Why did Marcus du Sautoy choose to structure his book 'Around the World in 80 Games' like a journey?
Marcus du Sautoy structured the book as a journey to avoid it becoming a mere list of games. By following the path of Phileas Fogg from Jules Verne's 'Around the World in 80 Days,' he created a narrative arc that connects games across cultures and history, making the exploration more engaging and novel-like.
What is the connection between games and mathematics according to Marcus du Sautoy?
Games and mathematics are closely linked because both involve exploring the implications of rules. Early games, like the Royal Game of Ur, emerged alongside the development of mathematics in civilizations like Babylon and Egypt. Both fields share a purposeless joy in exploring systems and patterns, making them deeply interconnected.
How did the design of dice evolve from ancient times?
Early dice were made from ankle bones, which naturally land on four sides but are asymmetrical and biased. To create fairer games, humans began carving tetrahedral dice, which are symmetrical and have four faces. This evolution reflects the desire for fairness and predictability in games.
What is the cultural significance of Snakes and Ladders in India?
Snakes and Ladders originated in India as a teaching tool for the concepts of karma and rebirth. The ladders represent good karma, while the snakes symbolize bad karma. The game's goal is to reach nirvana, represented by the 68th square, reflecting the spiritual journey of life and the cycle of rebirth.
Why does Marcus du Sautoy criticize Monopoly as a flawed game?
Monopoly is flawed because it often ends long before the game is officially over, with one player dominating and bankrupting others. This makes the latter part of the game tedious and unengaging. Du Sautoy prefers games where the outcome remains uncertain until the very end.
What is the mathematical analysis behind Snakes and Ladders?
Mathematical analysis can determine the expected number of dice rolls needed to win Snakes and Ladders. For example, a Jain board analyzed by du Sautoy required 59 rolls to reach paradise. Removing a snake unexpectedly increased the number of rolls to 75, showing how game design can have counterintuitive effects.
How did chess evolve from its origins in India?
Chess originated in India as a four-player game with dice, where players moved pieces based on dice rolls. When gambling was banned, the dice were removed, and players chose which pieces to move, transforming it into a pure strategy game. The game also evolved to reflect changes in warfare, such as the introduction of the powerful queen in Europe.
What is the hidden feature in the Eight of Diamonds in a deck of cards?
The Eight of Diamonds contains a hidden figure of eight formed by the curved edges of the diamond shapes. This subtle design element, often unnoticed, showcases the intricate artistry and thought behind the design of playing cards.
Why does Marcus du Sautoy believe games are important for human evolution?
Games are crucial for human evolution because they allow us to practice and explore strategies, rules, and uncertainties. Unlike other species, humans continue to play games into adulthood, which has contributed to our cognitive and social development. This has led some to suggest that humans should be called Homo ludens (the playing species) rather than Homo sapiens (the thinking species).
- Games as cultural insights
- Use of games in Indian wedding ceremonies
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