Inspiration
Quantum Go Fish is a theoretical card game invented by a friend. Initially a memory- and logic-based solved game, it becomes increasingly complicated with every additionally player. This makes it difficult to play in large groups without losing track of the game and making it impossible to win. With our project we hoped to facilitate larger games of Quantum Go Fish with a game tool.
What it does
In the game, each player starts with 4 'cards' of undefined suit. There are as many suits as players and like in standard Go Fish each player takes a turn asking another player for a suit. Each question and response determines a state and the game ends when (a) a player collects 4 of one suit, (b) a player can say with certainty what cards every player holds, or (c) a player causes a paradox.
Our Quantum Go Fish project allows a visual representation of all potential states at the start of the game. The user inputs the questions and responses in order to narrow down the possibilities and keep track of what cards each player could have. The program goes through the game in tandem with the players and solves for all states of the cards with the available information. Now instead of being limited to a plausible 3-player game, the project facilitates games of up to 8 people.
How we built it
The back end was built without AI assistance in Python (numpy) and the front end design was aided by Copilot.
Challenges we ran into
This game contains lots of niche end cases which are difficult to identify and fix. This required careful project planning and testing specific cases. A lack of predefined workflow led to conflicts over the back end when multiple people tried to work on the same functions but this was resolved by team communication.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
The project works and gives a clear visual aid to a previously very abstract game. This will make it more accessible to players unfamiliar with logic games, and for groups to play together.
What we learned
We learned that a project flows more smoothly when all the participants have a clear view of the end goal. It is easier to collaborate when tasks are clearly defined and fit together smoothly.
What's next for Quantum Go Fish
Fun and whimsy; bringing people together.
