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Hex!

Hex is a two-player abstract strategy board game that was invented independently by mathematicians Piet Hein and John Nash in the 1940s. The game's...

About Hex!

Hex is a two-player abstract strategy board game that was invented independently by mathematicians Piet Hein and John Nash in the 1940s. The game's simplicity in rules belies its depth and complexity, making it an engaging and challenging pastime for players of all skill levels. Hex is often described as "the game of pure skill" because it entirely lacks chance or hidden information.

Rules and Gameplay:

The game board is typically a hexagonal grid, with varying sizes. A common board is an 11x11 hexagon grid, but other sizes are also used. The objective is to create an unbroken chain of your colored hexagons, connecting your two opposite sides of the board, marked as "north" and "south" for one player, and "west" and "east" for the other.

Players take turns to place a hexagon of their color on any unoccupied space on the board. The game proceeds until one player successfully creates a continuous path from their two sides, effectively linking them. The player who forms this path is declared the winner.

Strategy:

Hex is a game of pure strategy. Unlike games like Chess or Go, there are no pieces to move or capture, and no complex rules governing movement. The strategy in Hex is rooted in the positioning and connection of hexagons.

The game's deep strategic elements emerge from the unique properties of the hexagonal grid. Creating a winning path can be challenging because the board's shape makes it impossible for both players to form a path. It's either player A's path or player B's. Players need to anticipate their opponent's moves and make moves that both further their own path and block their opponent's path.

The first-move advantage is a well-known aspect of Hex. The player who goes first (often referred to as "White") has a slight advantage. To balance this, variations like "swap" Hex have been developed, where the second player, instead of making their first move, can choose to "swap" positions with the first player.

Mathematical Connections:

Hex has attracted the interest of mathematicians due to its elegant mathematical properties. John Nash, famous for his contributions to game theory and the subject of the book and movie "A Beautiful Mind," was one of its early enthusiasts. Hex's mathematical aspects extend to graph theory, combinatorics, and game theory.

One fascinating mathematical result related to Hex is the "Hales–Jewett theorem." This theorem essentially proves that as the board size increases, the first player will always have a winning strategy. However, this theorem doesn't provide practical strategies for gameplay.

Variations and Computer Play:

Hex has inspired various board sizes and rule variations. Smaller boards can be faster-paced and are often preferred for beginners. Some online platforms and computer programs allow players to enjoy Hex against AI opponents, which can provide a good challenge and learning experience.

In summary, Hex is a captivating abstract strategy game known for its mathematical beauty and depth. Its simple rules belie a rich world of strategic possibilities, making it a fascinating pastime for those who enjoy pure strategy games.

How to play Hex!

Using Mouse

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