Wiktionary
n. (context mathematics English) Any game featuring arithmetic or other branches of mathematics; a branch of recreational mathematics
Wikipedia
A mathematical game is a game whose rules, strategies, and outcomes are defined by clear mathematical parameters. Often, such games have simple rules and match procedures, such as Tic-tac-toe and Dots and Boxes. Generally, mathematical games need not be conceptually intricate to involve deeper computational underpinnings. For example, even though the rules of Mancala are relatively basic, the game can be rigorously analyzed through the lens of combinatorial game theory.
Mathematical games differ sharply from mathematical puzzles in that mathematical puzzles require specific mathematical expertise to complete, whereas mathematical games do not require a deep knowledge of mathematics to play. Often, the arithmetic core of mathematical games is not readily apparent to players untrained to note the statistical or mathematical aspects.
Some mathematical games are of deep interest in the field of recreational mathematics.
When studying a game's core mathematics, arithmetic theory is generally of higher utility than actively playing or observing the game itself. To analyze a game numerically, it is particularly useful to study the rules of the game insofar as they can yield equations or relevant formulas. This is frequently done to determine winning strategies or to distinguish if the game has a solution.
Usage examples of "mathematical game".
It would make psychohistory something exciting and much more than a mathematical game.
To give one example, I have for the past five years tried, sporadically and unsuccessfully, to analyze a particular mathematical game.
What was its incredible intricacy but a mathematical game that Bakst had come to understand over a decade ago?
Isabel Jordan had activated her private console and was playing a complex mathematical game, listening with only half a mind.