How can one make a probability board game?

A fun and interactive way to test your understanding of statistics in a math class is to create a probability-based board game. A probability game is any game greatly influenced by a randomizing element such as cards or dice.

1. Design the basic concept

   Figure out what kind of game you want to make. Many probability games involve making a journey with a game piece or trying to create a particular sequence or series of values. Some common probability-based games include Sorry, Candy Land, LIFE, Monopoly, bingo and poker. Consider basing ideas for game mechanics on one or more of these games.

2. Choose your randomizer

   Select a method of randomly generating values based on probability. Choose a method that makes sense for your game. Make sure you understand the statistical likelihood of generating different values. Many games use one or more dice. A six-sided die produces whole-number values between 1 and 6, at a theoretically equal rate. Two six-sided dice can produce 1 through 12, but 7 is the most-likely outcome. Some games use playing cards or cards specifically made for the game. Cards are different from dice largely because once a card is drawn, it is no longer included among the possible outcomes. As a result, probabilities constantly shift during a card game.

3. Determine how players influence luck

   Decide what kinds of choices players can make. Some opportunities to influence luck might involve the option to re-roll a die or the selection of one card among a hand of five random ones. The more choice the players have, the more strategy-based the game becomes.