In 2012, at a gaming convention, a board game designer challenged mathematician Eric Harshbarger to devise dice that could determine the first player without the risk of a tie. Harshbarger, a senior lecturer at Auburn University, found the problem intriguing and set out to create a solution.
After years of collaboration with computer scientists and mathematicians worldwide, Harshbarger and his team successfully crafted a set of dice known as the Go First Dice for five players. These dice ensure a fair outcome with a guaranteed winner from a single roll, addressing the initial challenge of eliminating ties.
While the concept of fair dice for multiple players was relatively quickly solved for two to four players, devising a solution for five players proved more complex. The team explored various theories and designs, eventually settling on a set of five 120-sided dice, proposed by a researcher from Australia.
The project gained momentum when Canadian software engineer Paul Meyer joined and proposed a solution using five 60-sided dice. After verifying the solution, Harshbarger confirmed its success, highlighting the extensive computational effort required for the discovery.
The newly designed dice, available for purchase, have sparked discussions about their practical application and adherence to mathematical principles. Despite some skepticism, Harshbarger asserts that the dice are designed to ensure fairness, with any discrepancies likely stemming from the manufacturing process.
Looking ahead, the research group, now including Meyer, continues to explore possibilities, such as reducing the number of sides for a five-player set and expanding the concept to accommodate six players. Harshbarger emphasizes the ongoing nature of the research, noting the potential for unexpected breakthroughs in solving complex mathematical puzzles.