“‘Magic: The Gathering’ is Turing complete. The World’s most complex game.”

[RoarkJr.]

It's Science: 'Magic: The Gathering' Is The World's Most Complicated Game

There are so many non-trivial decisions that 'Magic' players must make during the process of a game that an algorithm is not capable of determining the perfect strategy.

www.google.com

“As reported by the MIT Technology Review, a new proof shows that optimal play in Magic: The Gathering is so difficult that a computer would be unable to figure out the winner, offering lasting implications for the field of game theory.”

As a lifelong magic the gathering player this is pretty cool to see. For those not familiar with the game I liken (very broadly) to a mix of poker and chess. Somewhat like chess in that there are defined parameters for what a turn looks like and for what certain cards can do, and like poker in the sense that there are variance/bluffing factors.

I recently discovered that a magic Hall of Famer was also a Brazilian jujitsu guy. A Brazilian jujitsu guy who was also a Hornet pilot told Me how similar flying and BJJ were, which got me thinking about the game. It seems like when it comes to optimizing high-performance in extremely complex environments there’s a lot of overlap in general concepts, e.g., “flow.”

Anyway, I thought I would post to either connect with fellow enthusiasts and/or generate discussion.

 

[Pags]

What about Pokemon?

I played MTG as a dorky kid with my buds. I still stay in touch with and hang out with those guys. So, one time a week before I was supposed to go to Boston to hang out my buds I got a box in the mail. One of my friends had sent us all MTG starter kits so we could all build a deck and play while together. Was a nice way to spend an evening with some old friends.

 

[Treetop Flyer]

NERDS

 

[Swanee]

A Brazilian jujitsu guy who was also a Hornet pilot told Me how similar flying and BJJ were,

Only a meathead yut yut would say that....

 

[taxi1]

Considering that Magic includes more than 2,000 rules and over 19,000 unique cards, this is no easy feat.

I bet it comes in second to our acquisition system.

 

[Hair Warrior]

I bet it comes in second to our acquisition system.

Ehhh, I bet an AI algorithm could do alright figuring out which Congressmen and Senators to donate to/ position factories near.

 

[RoarkJr.]

Only a meathead yut yut would say that....

Yep, nailed it ?

 

[RoarkJr.]

What about Pokemon?

I played MTG as a dorky kid with my buds. I still stay in touch with and hang out with those guys. So, one time a week before I was supposed to go to Boston to hang out my buds I got a box in the mail. One of my friends had sent us all MTG starter kits so we could all build a deck and play while together. Was a nice way to spend an evening with some old friends.

That’s great, I do the same with my cousin and brother whenever we get together. I don’t know much about Pokémon gameplay but I’d wager it doesn’t measure up to Magic. I think there’s a reason it’s still on top and growing after 30 years, and have the fantasy aspect wouldn’t be enough on its own.

 

[ABMD]

NERDS

Beat me to it

 

[RoarkJr.]

Beat me to it

Well I’d be the “goes to brewery with dog and crossfit gear on” guy but I’m allergic to pets and, well, not lame. Everyone knows “nerd” is a compliment these days ?

 

[Pags]

Well I’d be the “goes to brewery with dog and crossfit gear on” guy but I’m allergic to pets and, well, not lame. Everyone knows “nerd” is a compliment these days ?

I always found something funny about the guys in HS who made fun of the nerds who then went on to play fantasy football/baseball. It's the exact same thing just with centers and QBs instead of wizards and goblins.

 

[Jim123]

I always found something funny about the guys in HS who made fun of the nerds who then went on to play fantasy football/baseball. It's the exact same thing just with centers and QBs instead of wizards and goblins.

 

[johnboyA6E]

Hornet guy said flying and Brazilian BJs were similar?

 

[Sonog]

I always found something funny about the guys in HS who made fun of the nerds who then went on to play fantasy football/baseball. It's the exact same thing just with centers and QBs instead of wizards and goblins.

I find it funny when grown men unironically make fun of nerds (I'm not saying anyone in this thread has, I didn't turn on my sarcasm meter). Its a loud insecurity flag in my book.

 

[brownshoe]

I always found something funny about the guys in HS who made fun of the nerds who then went on to play fantasy football/baseball. It's the exact same thing just with centers and QBs instead of wizards and goblins.

My favorite games were by Sierra (yup I'm old), my first was: