Abstract Strategy Games: History, Maths and Game Design

Board games are as much a part of human civilization as the pyramids at Giza, the Benin Bronzes of West Africa and the Mona Lisa in Paris. They are also astonishingly ancient.

On this course taught by Dr Francesco Salerno, we are going to look at abstract strategy games. Within the community of board gamers, the term 'abstract strategy games' refers to two-player games with no inherent element of luck, with perfect information and no theme. These are also sometimes called 'combinatorial games'.

Following the below outlined syllabus, the course will include the exploration of classic games such as Chess, Go and Backgammon, along with modern games like Othello, Hive, Hex and Quoridor. We will discuss these games from many different viewpoints: historical origins, mathematical aspects, principles of game design, AI influence and elements of strategy.

While Chess and Go are the most well known and global examples of abstract strategy games, a large number of lesser-known games, both ancient and contemporary, also share high replayability, complexity, and social, cultural and scientific relevance.

But most importantly, we are going to play those games! The second part of each lesson is practice: a first hand experience will make the student understand why such games are so enjoyable and relatable.

Course outline (subject to possible minor modification)

1. Definition of ‘Game’ and characteristics of Abstract Strategy Games;
2. N in a Row games and First Player Advantage;
3. Connection games and board shapes;
4. History and development of chess and chess-like games;
5. Exploring ancient and contemporary Race games;
6. Territorial games: the long history of Go and its heritage;
7. What is a 'good' game? Basics and practice of Game Design;
8. Game changer: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Board Games.

No previous experience with game theory is necessary.

Special equipment and optional reading material

Participants should bring a laptop, tablet or smartphone to the sessions in order to access the online platforms the games discussed are played on. In the event that a session involves the use of physical games instead, this will be provided by the tutor who will advise accordingly beforehand.

There is no textbook for this course. The following are optional reading suggestions only:

• A World of Chess
• The Oxford History of Board Games
• Abstract Games Magazine
• Evolutionary Game Design

Term dates

•  Summer Term: week beginning 27 April 2026 until week ending 26 June 2026 (no class on 19 May 2026)

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the content of this course please contact the tutor, Dr Francesco Salerno at frasco.sal@gmail.com

If you have any questions about enrolment please contact the Imperial after:hours Administrator, Christian Jacobi at c.jacobi@imperial.ac.uk

Class Recordings

These classes are not recorded

Attendance Certificate

Successful completion of this course leads to the award of an Imperial College attendance certificate

Terms and conditions apply to all enrolments to this course. Please read them before enrolment