Figgie, created by Jane Street, is a trick-taking card game played with a 60-card deck featuring six suits. Players bid on how many tricks they think they can win, with a unique twist: suits are ranked differently each round, adding a layer of strategic complexity. The goal is to accurately predict and achieve your bid, earning points based on successful predictions. The game encourages strategic thinking by requiring players to consider both card strength and the fluctuating suit hierarchy when making bids and playing tricks.
SudokuVariants.com lets you play and create a wide variety of Sudoku puzzles beyond the classic 9x9 grid. The website offers different grid sizes, shapes, and rule sets, including variations like Killer Sudoku, Irregular Sudoku, and even custom rule combinations. Users can experiment with existing variants or design their own unique Sudoku challenges using a visual editor, and then share their creations with others via a generated link. The site aims to provide a comprehensive platform for both playing and exploring the vast possibilities within the Sudoku puzzle format.
Hacker News users generally expressed interest in the SudokuVariants website. Several praised its clean design and the variety of puzzles offered. Some found the "construct your own variant" feature particularly appealing, and one user suggested adding a difficulty rating system for user-created puzzles. A few commenters mentioned specific variant recommendations, including "Killer Sudoku" and a variant with prime number constraints. There was also a brief discussion about the underlying logic and algorithms involved in generating and solving these puzzles. One user pointed out that some extreme variants might be NP-complete, implying significant computational challenges for larger grids or complex rules.
Summary of Comments ( 28 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43057344
HN commenters discuss Figgie, a card game developed by Jane Street, with some expressing interest in trying it out due to Jane Street's reputation. Several commenters compare it to existing trick-taking games, mentioning similarities to Spades, Bridge, and Hearts. Some express skepticism about the complexity, wondering if it's genuinely intricate or just unnecessarily convoluted. The lack of a physical deck is a point of contention, with some preferring a tangible game experience. Others are intrigued by the strategy and mathematical elements, highlighting the dynamic partnership aspect and the potential for deep analysis. A few commenters note the similarity between "Figgie" and the word "fig," speculating about the name's origin.
The Hacker News post about Jane Street's Figgie card game generated several comments, mostly focusing on the game's complexity and the perceived difficulty of learning it. Many commenters expressed intrigue but also intimidation at the prospect of mastering the game.
One of the most compelling threads discussed the balance between simplicity in explanation and depth in gameplay. A commenter pointed out that the rules, while seemingly straightforward at first glance, hinted at a significant underlying complexity that would likely require considerable time and effort to fully grasp. This sentiment was echoed by others, who compared Figgie to games like Bridge or Magic: The Gathering, where the initial learning curve is relatively low but true mastery requires dedicated practice and strategic thinking.
Another noteworthy comment thread focused on the website's design and user experience. Some users praised the clean and minimalist aesthetic, while others criticized the lack of immediate visual cues about gameplay, suggesting that adding images or videos could make the game more approachable to newcomers. The interactive tutorial was generally well-received, though some suggested improvements, such as clearer explanations of certain game mechanics and the ability to rewind or replay specific steps.
A few commenters drew parallels between Figgie and other trick-taking card games, speculating about possible strategic similarities and differences. However, due to the relative newness of Figgie, these comparisons remained largely speculative, with many expressing a desire to play the game and form their own opinions.
Finally, several commenters expressed appreciation to Jane Street for creating and releasing Figgie, viewing it as a positive contribution to the world of card games and a testament to the company's commitment to intellectual pursuits. The general consensus seemed to be that Figgie, while potentially challenging, offered a unique and rewarding gameplay experience for those willing to invest the time to learn it.