Order and Chaos

Order and Chaos

• Order and Chaos** is a variant of the game [[tic-tac-toe]] on a 6×6 . It was invented by Stephen Sniderman and introduced by him in *Games* magazine in 1981. The player *Order* strives to create a five-in-a-row of either Xs or Os. The opponent *Chaos* endeavors to prevent this.

Game rules Unlike typical board games, both players control both sets of pieces (Xs and Os). The game starts with the . Order plays first, then turns alternate. On each turn, a player places either an X or an O on any open square. Once played, pieces cannot be moved, thus Order and Chaos can be played using pencil and paper.

Order aims to get five like pieces in a row either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Chaos aims to fill the board without completion of a line of five like pieces.

Rules addition The original rules in Games magazine implied that six-in-a-row also wins. That version of the game was claimed weakly solved as a forced win for Order. The inventor has subsequently suggested a new rule to better balance winning chances for both sides: Six-in-a-row does not qualify as a win. The new rule offers Chaos new defensive tactics against Order's previously "unstoppable" four-in-a-rows. This version is weakly solved as a forced win for Chaos, who can win using a pairing-strategy.

See also Entropy* (board game)

References ## External links * *