A
mathematical game is a
game whose rules, strategies, and outcomes are defined by clear
mathematical parameters. Often, such games have simple rules and match procedures, such as
Tic-tac-toe and
Dots and Boxes. Generally, mathematical games need not be conceptually intricate to involve deeper computational underpinnings. For example, even though the rules of
Mancala are relatively basic, the game can be rigorously analyzed through the lens of
combinatorial game theory.