). By controlling these cycles, you dictate who hits the final, unavoidable stick. Practice Challenge
The game is a simplified version of , a classic mathematical strategy game. Because you can take up to 3 sticks, the "cycle" of the game is 4 ( ). By controlling these cycles
: You must go first and take exactly 2 sticks . This leaves 9 sticks on the table ( 9 fits the magic formula you dictate who hits the final
: For every subsequent turn, simply "complement" whatever your opponent takes so that the total removed in that round equals 4 . If they take 1 , you take 3 ( If they take 2 , you take 2 ( If they take 3 , you take 1 ( you take 1 (