wu :: forums - Print Page


    
      
        wu :: forums
        (http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~wwu/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        riddles >> hard >> Connect Four
        
(Message started by: karotto on Sep 22^nd, 2014, 9:08am)

Title: Connect Four
Post by karotto on Sep 22^nd, 2014, 9:08am

Hi,
in the game connect four with 8 columns and 6 raws there is a strategy in order to win always?
Thanks

Title: Re: Connect Four
Post by towr on Sep 22^nd, 2014, 11:04am

Probably; there is for a 7 x 6 board, see http://gizmodo.com/heres-how-to-win-every-time-at-connect-four-1474572099

I suppose the real question is whether there is such a strategy that a human can memorize and apply against a perfect opponent.

Title: Re: Connect Four
Post by karotto on Sep 23^rd, 2014, 5:21am

Yes but I have asked about 6x8 board

Title: Re: Connect Four
Post by rmsgrey on Sep 23^rd, 2014, 7:25am

Not having checked the strategy, this may not work, but an obvious way to extend a 7-column strategy to an 8-column strategy is to ignore the 8th column except when your opponent plays there (when you play there too in order to regain tempo).

Obviously, the success or failure of this ploy depends on whether you're simply waiting for your opponent to run out of safe moves, or they have the option to create a threat involving the 8th column...

Title: Re: Connect Four
Post by Grimbal on Sep 23^rd, 2014, 9:52am

According to
http://homepages.cwi.nl/~tromp/c4/c4.html
On an 8 col x 6 rows board the 2nd player wins.

Title: Re: Connect Four
Post by towr on Sep 23^rd, 2014, 10:16am

Well, then there's your strategy, don't play first.