The classic board game Guess Who, beloved by families since its launch in the UK in 1979, now has a new strategic twist thanks to research by mathematicians. Dr David Stewart from the University of Manchester has provided insights into winning the game more efficiently, offering players a chance to elevate their gameplay during family gatherings.
In Guess Who, two players take turns asking yes-or-no questions to identify a mystery character chosen by their opponent. Traditional questions often include inquiries about visible traits like glasses or hair color. However, Dr Stewart’s findings suggest a more effective approach: splitting the pool of suspects as evenly as possible with each question.
Strategic Questioning Techniques
Dr Stewart advises players to formulate questions that aim to eliminate half of the characters on the board in one go. For instance, rather than asking if a character wears glasses, a more strategic question could be: “Does their name come before ‘Nancy’ alphabetically?” By focusing on broader categories, players can quickly narrow down their options.
Once the number of remaining characters is reduced to four, the recommendation shifts to questions that create a 1-3 split among the suspects. This method allows for a more refined approach. Players may even experiment with “tripartite” questions, which are more complex but can confuse opponents. An example of such a question might be: “Does your person have blonde hair OR do they have brown hair AND the answer to this question is no?” This type of questioning can lead to unexpected responses that may provide valuable information.
Dr Stewart noted, “If we were to ask you this question and your person had blonde hair, then you would say yes because the first line succeeds. If they had grey hair, then both parts fail and you would say no; but if they had brown hair, then you would find yourself, in effect, answering: ‘Is the answer to this question no?'”
Additional Tips for Success
For those who find the tripartite method too challenging, Dr Stewart offers several straightforward tips to enhance gameplay:
- Avoid Rare Features: Do not start with questions about uncommon traits, such as “Does your person have earrings?” if only a couple of characters possess them.
- Half-Splitting Questions: Aim to divide the remaining suspects in half with each question. This strategy helps maintain a manageable pool of possibilities.
- Plan Ahead: Before posing a question, quickly scan the board and count how many characters exhibit a specific feature to ensure the effectiveness of your query.
- Listen Closely: Pay attention to the questions your opponent asks. Their hesitation or strategic shifts can reveal clues about their chosen character.
- Focus on Unique Features: As the game progresses and the pool shrinks, concentrate on distinctive attributes like specific colors or rare accessories to expedite the elimination process.
With these strategies, players can enhance their chances of success in Guess Who, transforming a casual game into a battlefield of wits. As the holiday season approaches, families may find themselves equipped with newfound skills to outsmart one another, all while enjoying a beloved tradition.
