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Nim
Description
A matchstick game where players take turns removing sticks from a pyramid, aiming not to take the last one.
Details
7 - 10 years, 11 - 19 years, Adults
Pairs
Less than 5 minutes
Materials required
Tags
Critical/ Strategic Thinking, Focused, Visual Memory
Instructions:
Reference image: https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/nim.jpg
1. Arrange the matchsticks in a pyramid: 1 matchstick on the top row, 3 matchsticks on the second row, 5 matchsticks on the third row, 7 matchsticks on the bottom row
2. Decide who goes first.
3. On your turn, remove either 1, 2 or 3 matchsticks, but only from one row at a time.
4. Let the next player take their turn following the same rule.
5. Continue taking turns removing matchsticks.
6. The player who takes the last matchstick loses the game.
Variations & tips:
1. You can build larger pyramids (e.g., 1-3-5-7-9) for a longer round.
2. You can alternate the ending by offering that the player who takes the last matchstick wins instead of losing.
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