Simulating Yamslam in R: Optimal Strategy of a Weighted Dice Game

Abstract

Games of chance offer a level of mathematical strategy that can maximize the chances of success. Yamslam, a token-related spinoff of the famous Milton Bradley game Yahtzee, naturally creates strategic opportunities for players that aim to achieve optimal gameplay. This project explores dice roll simulations in R for modeling the best response strategies in several particular scenarios. Using the simulated expected values, I consider the possible actions and identify the optimal decisions. My results lay a groundwork for simulating the entire game of Yamslam and pinpoint the strategies that maximize the game points and therefore the chances to win.