Probability in daily life:

board game outcomes

Duaa Faisal TOS-13647 10F

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 Table of content

1. 2. 3.
Introduction to Explanation of specific Data from multiple trials,
probability theory and its board game events with charts displaying
relevance to board (e.g., dice rolls, card the outcomes.
games. draws).

4. 5.
Comparison between Conclusion on how
theoretical and experimental probability affects game
probabilities. outcomes.

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 Introduction to probability
What is probability theory?
Probability is the likelihood that an event will happen. This can range from an event being
impossible to some likelihood to being absolutely certain. Probability theory is the
mathematical framework that allows us to analyze chance events in a logically sound
manner.

How probability applies in board games.

Board games, like Monopoly and Uno, involve random events such as dice rolls or
drawing cards. Understanding Probability plays a crucial role in many board games, as it
influences the outcomes of random events like dice rolls, card draws, and spins.
Understanding probability in these games helps players make strategic decisions,
manage risk, and anticipate possible outcomes.

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 Probability In Board Games
Monopoly Uno
Probability comes into play when rolling two dice to In Uno, drawing a card from a deck has
move around the board. Each turn's movement is probabilities based on card types and colors. For
influenced by the likelihood of rolling certain sums example, there are fewer Wild or Draw Four
(e.g: 7 being the most common). Players also cards than regular number cards, so drawing
encounter chance and community chest cards, these powerful cards is less likely. The likelihood
which introduce random events that can alter their of drawing specific cards affects a player’s
position or finances. strategy as they try to play or block others.

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 Probability In Board Games
Yahtzee Settlers of Catan Clue (Cluedo)
This dice game involves In Catan, players roll two dice In Clue, players use
rolling five dice to achieve each turn to determine which probability to deduce the
specific combinations (like resources are produced. weapon, room, and suspect
three of a kind, full house, or Certain numbers (like 6 and involved in a fictional crime.
Yahtzee). Probability is key 8) have higher probabilities As players receive clues from
as players decide which due to dice combinations, so other players, they update
dice to keep and which to players strategically place their guesses based on the
re-roll, trying to maximize settlements near these likelihood of each scenario,
their chances of achieving numbers to maximize their trying to rule out possibilities
high-scoring combinations. resource gain over the course
systematically until only the
of the game.
true solution remains.

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 Data Collection from Multiple Trials
Dice Rolls (monopoly): Card Draws (Uno):
Rolled a six-sided die 50 times. Recorded each Card frequency Probability theoretica
outcome and counted how often each appeared.
red 22 22% 23.15%
outcomes frequency Probability Probability
(experimental) (theoretical) blue 26 26% 23.15%

1 8 16% 16.67% green 25 25% 23.15%

2 10 20% 16.67% yellow 24 24% 23.15%

skip 7 7% 23.15%
3 7 14% 16.67%
Draw 2 8 8% 23.15%
4 6 12% 16.67%
reverse 7 7% 23.15%
5 9 18% 16.67%
Wild card 3 3% 23.15%
6 10 20% 16.67%
Draw 4 3 3% 23.15%
Data Collection from Multiple Trials: charts
Dice roles outcomes Uno cars outcomes

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 Theoretical vs. Experimental Probabilities
Laws of large numbers: an observed sample average from a large sample will be close to the true
population average and that it will get closer as the sample grows larger.

Calculating probabilities:
● Theoretical Probability = Number of favorable outcomes / Number of possible outcomes.
● Experimental probability = Number of times an event occurs / Total number of trials.

Example:
● Probability of rolling a sum of 7 with two dice = 6/36 = ⅙
● In 50 dice rolls, a sum of 7 appeared 8 times, so P(sum of 7)= 8/50 = 0.16

Comparison:
● Dice Roll Example: Theoretical probability of rolling a sum of 7 is ⅙ = 0.167, our experimental result
was 0.16.
● Uno Card Example: Theoretical probability of drawing a “Skip” card is 0.074; our experimental result
was 0.07.
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 Conclusions
Key Findings:
● Predictable Patterns: Theoretical probabilities help predict likely outcomes, such as the higher
chance of rolling a 7 with two dice.
● Experimental vs. Theoretical: Experimental results were close to theoretical probabilities, confirming
expected patterns in games.

Application in Games:
Knowing probability can improve strategy in board games. In Monopoly, players can anticipate certain dice
rolls (like a 7, which is most likely) to plan moves based on where they are most likely to land. In Uno,
understanding the chances of drawing specific cards, like a “Skip” or “Draw 4,” helps players manage their
hands better. By using probability, players make smarter decisions, increasing their chances of winning.

Conclusion:
This project shows that probability shapes game outcomes, similar to how it applies in real life. Just as
players predict events in games, people use probability to assess risks and make decisions daily, like
weather forecasting or route planning. Learning probability through games makes math practical and fun,
showing its role in both strategic thinking and everyday life.

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Thank you!