Abstract Strategy Games: History, Maths and Game Design

Course overview

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'.

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.

Sessions include the exploration of classic games such as Chess, Go, Draughts, and Mancala, 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.

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.

No previous experience with game theory is necessary.

Reading material or special equipment needed (if any)

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

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.

Term dates

•  Autumn Term: week beginning 13 October 2025 until week ending 19 December 2025

Any questions?

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

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

Class recordings

These classes are not recorded.

Imperial certificates

There are no examinations or assessments for this course. However, attendance can lead to the award of an Imperial attendance certificate (T&Cs apply).