Pennywise: A Game Of Making Change.pdf

Overview:
A strategic coin-based game where players aim to be the last with coins remaining. The unique twist is the emphasis on saving pennies, as suggested by creator James Ernest.

Gameplay:
- Players: 2-6
- Objective: Be the last player with coins.
- Starting Coins: Each player starts with 4 pennies, 3 nickels, 2 dimes, and 1 quarter.
- Rules:
1. Place one coin in the center on each turn, then retrieve any combination of coins worth less than the placed coin.
2. The last player with coins wins.

Variations:
- Starting Coinage: James Ernest proposes several alternatives (Coprimes, Darlene, Nodimes, Sugar, Taylor) or players can create their own mix. Ensure all players start with identical stashes.
- New Change-Making Rules:
- Joe Kisenwether's variations: Allow taking back coins of lower denomination equal to or less than the new coin, or take all coins of a lower denomination, even if their total value exceeds the new coin.
- Flip (2-player dice game): Players roll 5 dice; lowest total goes first. On each turn, players can flip over one die (1's become 6's) or tap an opponent's die, forcing them to remove it from play and take back any combination of dice totaling less than the tapped die. The last player with dice wins.

Endgame Considerations:
Joe Kisenwether poses a puzzle: Could either of his variations lead to an endless game? If not, what's the maximum number of turns?