Math 105 - Term Project
Game Analysis and Design

Assigned Feb 26th

Overview

The purpose of this project, worth 15% of your final grade, is to improve your research, writing and communication skills as well as give you an opportunity to explore in-depth a particular area of finite mathematics. This project will involve investigating the mathematical nature of a game of your choosing in consultation with me.

Topic Selection

This project is a group project. You must select a partner for this project and your topic for you presentation by Thursday, March 27th.

Your project can be one of the two following types:

Investigate the mathematical properties of a game.
One option for this type of project is to read a chapter from our book "Luck, Logic and White Lies" that has not been covered in class, concerning Blackjack, Monopoly, Go, or Backgammon. Alternatively, you can investigate a game of your own choosing. I recommend selecting a game from the following list, or searching for games on BoardGameGeek.com.
- Ticket to Ride
- Bohnanza
- Power Grid
- Ingenious
- Coda
- Modern Art
- Mastermind
- Settlers of Catan
- For Sale
- Diamant
- No Thanks
- Samurai
- Terra
- Acquire
- Clocktowers
- Lost Cities
- Coloretto
- Daddy Cool
- Flaschenteufel
Design your own game and discuss its mathematical properties.
While this project type may be more daunting, it can also be more rewarding to see your ideas come to life in a game. Your game must fit these guidelines:
- The game must make use of a randomizing device, either die or cards.
- The player must have meaningful choices in the game.

In either case, your topic must be approved by me.

Paper Organization

Your paper must be at least 5 pages. You should summarize the main idea of your game choice. You must analyze at least three ways that your game incorporates the properties we have discussed in class. These do not have to be unique topics, but you must have three distinct examples of using finite mathematics within the game. You should include the mathematical formulas you use to analyze the game.

Presentation

Finally, a 10 minute in-class presentation will be required. Time and material should be split evenly between all project partners. Your objective in the presentation is to fill us in on the main ideas of how mathematics is found in your topic. Leave at least one (1) minute for questions at the end of your presentation.