The Joy of SET

Author:  Miriam Melnick, Bard College at Simon’s Rock

1. Introduction to the game by constructing the deck in a series of algorithmic steps.
2. Discussion of how to play game and how to expand it from the standard 4 dimensions into n dimensions.
3. Model of mathematical nature of SET using strings of 0's, 1's and 2's.
4. Investigation of circumstances under which there are no matches visible.

Cognitive Modeling with SET

How to Construct a Believable Opponent using Cognitive Modeling in the Game of Set

Niels A. Taatgen (niels@ai.rug.nl)
Marcia van Oploo (marcia@ai.rug.nl)
Jos Braaksma (j.braaksma@ai.rug.nl)
Jelle Niemantsverdriet (jelle@niemantsverdriet.nl)

Department of Artificial Intelligence, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1
9712 TS Groningen, Netherlands

Abstract

An interesting domain of application for Cognitive Modeling is the construction of computer opponents in games. We present a model of the game of Set. The model is sensitive to the difficulty of the situation in the game, and can explain the difference between beginners and experts. Furthermore, the model is used in a computer game in which players can play Set against various versions of the model.

MATHEMATICAL FUN & CHALLENGES IN THE GAME OF SET^®

By Phyllis Chinn, Ph.D. Professor of Mathematics
Dale Oliver, Ph.D. Professor of Mathematics
Department of Mathematics
Humboldt State University
Arcata, CA 95521

The Game of SET

Scout SET

Brought to us by Emily, David and Kadi Mink

A fun twist on SET where players try to figure out the final card in each others' SETs.

Download Printable Instructions Here

SET Up

This version of the game is 1/2 luck and 1/2 skill for 2 or more players. SETs are made according to the rules of classic SET.

Object:  To play a card from your hand that does not make a SET with the cards already played on the table. 

Download Printable Instructions Here

Rules for 20/20 SET

This version of the game is 20% luck, 20% strategy, and 60% visual perception skills. SETs are made according the standard rules of SET.

Object To get rid of the cards dealt to you by making SETs with them and the cards on the table, before your opponents get rid of their personal cards.

Download Printable Instructions Here

End Game SET

Object
To determine the attributes of the missing card.

The Play
At the beginning of the game, remove one card from the deck and place it face down to the side. 

Now play the game according to the standard rules of SET.  When no more SETs can be found, you can determine the attributes of the missing card.

Download Printable Instructions Here

Mathematical Proof of Magic Squares

By Llewellyn Falco

What you see here is a magic square, much like the addition and subtraction squares you may have used as a child.

These magic squares are even more talented, as they all follow the rules of the card game SET®. To learn how to make one with ease, read on.

SET® cards contain four properties: color, shape, number of objects, and shading. The rules state for each property, they must all be equal, or all different. For example, if we look at the top row of the square, we see three different colors, three different shapes, three different numbers, and three different types of shading within the objects. Need more examples? Any line on the magic square yields a set.