Do First Mover Advantages Exist In Competitive Board Games: The Importance of Zugzwang

Abstract

The ability to move first in competitive games is thought to be the sole determinant on who wins the game. This study attempts to show other factors which contribute and have a non-linear effect on the game’s outcome. These factors, although shown to be not statistically significant, because of their non-linear relationship have some positive correlations to helping determine the winner of the game.