Psellos
Life So Short, the Craft So Long to Learn

Schnapsen Log Archives

Columns for December, 2012

Setting Up the Endplay

Martin Tompa
December 6, 2012

I played a fascinating deal against Doktor Schnaps just a few days ago that I thought you might enjoy working out. This one had a type of endgame that I’d never encountered before….

Postponing Defeat

Martin Tompa
December 15, 2012

We’re back in your house, continuing the epic battle against your sister Emmi. Your clever Uncle Hans looks on expectantly as you consider your next predicament….

Too Clever By Half

Martin Tompa
December 23, 2012

Your aunt, Polite Polona, has taken Emmi’s seat in this family gathering. Uncle Hans continues to look over your shoulder and waits to edify….

The Homewrecker

Martin Tompa
December 28, 2012

“Ready for the next deal?” your aunt, Polite Polona, asks sweetly. She shoots a quick look at your Uncle Hans, who is kibitzing you, as if to warn him to behave….

The Last Trick

Martin Tompa
December 30, 2012

“I’m curious,” your Uncle Hans says to you. “In the previous deal, you led A from this position.” Hans recreates the position on the table in front of you….

About the Author

Martin Tompa

Martin Tompa (tompa@psellos.com)

I am a Professor of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington, where I teach discrete mathematics, probability and statistics, design and analysis of algorithms, and other related courses. I have always loved playing games. Games are great tools for learning to think logically and are a wonderful component of happy family or social life.

Read about Winning Schnapsen, the very first and definitive book on the winning strategy for this fascinating game.

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Recent Columns

September
Sidestep a Few Landmines, Sep 2
June
Two Last-Trick Problems, Jun 27
May
More Extremes of Luck, May 21
April
Grasping at Straws, Apr 4
March
A New Scheme for Remembering Cards, Mar 23
September
As Luck Would Have It, Sep 9

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