Here is a (growing) collection of problems (and eventually also perhaps some puzzles) related to the endgame of the Endgame – and later probably also some related to other phases of a game.
Most of them are related to the mathematics side of the game (i.e., probability theory, statistics and combinatorics), and most of them will be refined with time. However, there should be enough to keep any Endgame Guru occupied for a while.
As the Endgame involves some randomness (and thus luck), is it advisable to solve the problems for a specific type of player with A and B being the preferred options.
If randomness shall be expressed in words rather than a probability, the following Probability Yardstick may come in handy:
Problem 1: “Home Alone”
Status
The player to move is Yellow. Yellow has a General´s HQ and an armoured car with a drone. Blue has only the HQ with the general left.
Assumptions
- Both players always draw “weapons” or “arms embargo” pieces from the Grey Market, i.e., no additional pieces will be added to the Battlefield.
- Both players act rationally (i.e., do not make blunders and want to optimize their points).
Questions
- Can Yellow win the game? If affirmative: In how many moves?
- Is it possible for Blue to ram Yellow´s HQ (thus forcing a draw)?
Problem 2: “It takes two to tango”
Status
The player to move is Yellow. Yellow has a General´s HQ and an armoured car with a drone. Blue also has a General´s HQ and an armoured car a drone.
Assumptions
- Both players always draw “weapons” or “arms embargo” pieces from the Grey Market, i.e., no additional pieces will be added to the Battlefield.
- Both players act rationally (do not make blunders and want to optimise their points).
Questions
- Can Yellow win the game? If affirmative: In how many moves?
- Can Blue win the game?
Problem 3: “Supply chain vs. no supply chain”
Status
The player to move is Yellow. Yellow has a General´s HQ, an armoured car with a drone, and a tank with a mortar. Blue also has a General´s HQ, an armoured car with a drone, a truck and a warehouse.
Assumptions
Only rational moves are included.
Questions
- Is it better to have a function supply chain (new weapons enter the battlefield via the warehouse to the armed vehicle) than not?
- Will it make sense for a player profile A (Yellow or Blue) to suggest a draw? If so, after how many moves?
- Will it make sense for a player profile B (Yellow or Blue) to suggest a draw? If so, after how many moves?
- How much is (good) luck likely to influence the outcome of this endgame?