Pencil and Paper Games

Sprouts

This is a more complicated game than the others I have covered so far. The rules aren't that hard, once you get used to them, but the strategy is complex and by adding more dots at the beginning, you can make this a very difficult game. Here are the basic rules:

1. Start by drawing a set number of dots (try 2 to start with).

2. Each player takes turn drawing arcs from one dot to another, or from one dot to itself.

3. No dots may have more than 3 lines coming out of it.

4. No arc may cross another arc or another dot.

5. After drawing a new arc, place a new dot on the arc.

6. Victory is achieved when your opponent has no valid moves left.

Here is an example play:

Try adding more dots to start with when you get tired of this game!