MATH CLUB PRESENTS:

Dr. Stephen B. Robinson
Thursday, November 12, 2009

4:15 p.m. Manchester Hall, Rm 016

The Game of Hex and Its Surprising Implications

Hex is a simple board game where two players alternate putting pebbles on a rectangular grid of hexagons. One player owns the top and bottom sides of the board and the other owns the left and right hand sides. The first player to create an unbroken path of pebbles connecting their sides wins. (Google it and learn to play!) In spite of its simplicity it took a "beautiful mind" (John Nash) to explain some of the game's secrets. More surprising to me is that this simple game provides deep insight into one of my favorite theorems. Please join me to hear some secrets and surprises.

Refreshments in the Lounge
Manchester Hall, Rm 336 at 3:30pm
Host contact:  raynorsg@wfu