In a 2012 conversation at a gaming convention, board game designer challenged mathematician Eric Harshbarger to create dice for determining the starting player without the chance of a tie. The aim was to streamline the process and hasten game commencement.
Harshbarger, a mathematician and lecturer at Auburn University, found the challenge intriguing as it lacked a straightforward solution, which mathematicians typically find enticing. He conceptualized a set of dice where each player could roll one die with an equal chance of winning, eliminating the possibility of ties.
Although the theoretical concept was straightforward, developing physical dice that functioned as intended was arduous. After nearly 15 years of collaboration with colleagues, Harshbarger successfully created the Go First Dice, specifically designed for five players to determine the initial mover in a board game with a guaranteed winner from a single roll.
The journey involved continuous experimentation and collaboration with computer scientists and mathematicians worldwide. The team initially devised a set of four 12-sided dice for up to four players. However, devising a solution for five players posed a more significant challenge.
Through persistent efforts and innovative thinking, the team eventually crafted a practical solution with five 120-sided dice. Subsequently, a Canadian software engineer, Paul Meyer, contributed by proposing a solution using five 60-sided dice, which proved successful.
Despite some skepticism, Harshbarger asserts that the dice are designed to be entirely fair, emphasizing that any deviations in outcomes would stem from the manufacturing process rather than the mathematical principles behind them.
The research continues as they explore the feasibility of using fewer sides for a five-player set and potentially expanding the concept to accommodate six players. Harshbarger emphasizes the allure of unexpected discoveries in solving complex mathematical problems, showcasing the beauty and intrigue of such challenges for mathematicians.