How Do I Run This Applet?

This applet allows the user to simulate a race where the results are based on the roll of dice. The user can determine which player moves forward for a given roll, and can then experiment with the race by determining which player will win more often based on the rules that they specify.

This Java applet requires a Java-capable browser. If you don't see the applet, Java may not be functional in your browser or on your machine.

Controls and Output

• This activity contains several screens. The first screen you will see is the Rules Screen. From this screen you can designate the player who is "lucky" for each of the 11 scores (2-12) possible with two dice. One player can be lucky on more than one score. You can also specify that no player is lucky on a given score by choosing "None" from the list. Note, however, that you must select at least one lucky player, or there will be no racers.
  

• You can also specify what being lucky means by choosing Only lucky player moves or Everybody moves one step, lucky player two from the appropriate drop-down box. If you choose the first case, the lucky player and only the lucky player each turn will move one space. If you choose the second, everyone will move at least one space each turn, but the lucky player will move two.
  

• In the space for How long do you want the race to be?, type a number between 1 and 10. This is the number of steps between the start and finish lines.
• When you have made all the changes to the rules you want, click Start the Race
• This will take you to the Race Screen. You will see a graphic representing the state of the race. The example image below shows a five step-long race with four players. B is just two steps away from the finish line.
  

• Click Roll the dice to make a move. A line at the bottom of the screen tells you the results of the last roll. You will see the racers move down their lanes as the game progresses. When a player gets to the finish line, their lane is filled with "W!" to indicate that they have won.
• Click Change Rules to go back to the Rules Screen and change the rules.
• Click Automatically Run to run the game many times. The computer will run the game for as many times as you indicate in the space next to the Automatically Run button, and display a Results Screen with statistics on how many races each player won. From this screen you can click Return to Race to go back to the Race Screen or click on Change Rules to go back to the Rules Screen.