Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2810
Date of Award
6-2024
Degree Name
MS in Statistics
Department/Program
Statistics
College
College of Science and Mathematics
Advisor
Kevin Ross
Advisor Department
Statistics
Advisor College
College of Science and Mathematics
Abstract
Brave Rats is a short game with simple rules, yet establishing a comprehensive strategy is very challenging without extensive computation. After explaining the rules, this paper begins by calculating the optimal strategy by recursively solving each turn’s Minimax strategy. It then provides summary statistics about the complex, branching Minimax solution. Next, we examine six other strategy models and evaluate their performance against each other. These models’ flaws highlight the key elements that contribute to the effectiveness of the Minimax strategy and offer insight into simpler strategies that human players could mimic. Finally, we analyze 123 games of human data collected by the author and friends and investigate how that data is different from Minimax optimal play.
Included in
Applied Statistics Commons, Other Statistics and Probability Commons, Probability Commons