Chess Problem - curiouser.co.uk

Chess Problem - Curiouser.co.uk

Chess Problem for non-chess players.
Consider a chess board of any size. You and your opponent take it in turns to place a piece on the board until there is no more room. The winner is the last player to put their piece on the board. There is an unlimited supply of pieces and each piece covers exactly the same area of the board. You are not allowed to move any of the pieces already on the board when you place your piece. If you start, and play optimally, can your opponent win? ANSWER

Chess Problem for non-chess players.

Consider a chess board of any size.
You and your opponent take it in turns to place a piece on the board until there is no more room. The winner is the last player to put their piece on the board. There is an unlimited supply of pieces and each piece covers exactly the same area of the board. You are not allowed to move any of the pieces already on the board when you place your piece.

If you start, and play optimally, can your opponent win?

ANSWER

EXPLANATION

In order to guarantee a win, you should place your piece in the geometric centre of the board. Now where ever your opponent places his next piece, you can place yours directly opposite, so that the pieces are symatrically aligned on the board. You will be able to repeat this tactic until there is nowhere left on the board for your opponent to place a piece, at which point you win the game.

CONTINUE

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