HUDIBRAS.

It may be said generally that a game is a contest of skill for two or
more persons, into which we enter either for amusement or to win a
prize. A puzzle is something to be done or solved by the individual. For
example, if it were possible for us so to master the complexities of the
game of chess that we could be assured of always winning with the first
or second move, as the case might be, or of always drawing, then it
would cease to be a game and would become a puzzle. Of course among the
young and uninformed, when the correct winning play is not understood, a
puzzle may well make a very good game. Thus there is no doubt children
will continue to play "Noughts and Crosses," though I have shown (No.
109, "_Canterbury Puzzles_") that between two players who both
thoroughly understand the play, every game should be drawn. Neither
player could ever win except through the blundering of his opponent. But
I am writing from the point of view of the student of these things.

The examples that I give in this class are apparently games, but, since
I show in every case how one player may win if he only play correctly,
they are in reality puzzles. Their interest, therefore, lies in
attempting to discover the leading method of play.


392.--THE PEBBLE GAME.

Here is an interesting little puzzle game that I used to play with an
acquaintance on the beach at Slocomb-on-Sea. Two players place an odd
number of pebbles, we will say fifteen, between them. Then each takes in
turn one, two, or three pebbles (as he chooses), and the winner is the
one who gets the odd number. Thus, if you get seven and your opponent