supportingami/ampe

This game was inspired by a maths camp in Ghana. Email admin@supportingami.org to get involved. # Ampe: The Circle Puzzle > An interactive mathematical permutation puzzle based on the traditional Ghanaian game of **Ampe**, inspired during a maths camp supported by **Supporting African Maths Initiatives (SAMI)**. --- ## 🎮 Play Online Play the puzzle online: **ampe.samicharity.co.uk** --- ## Context & Origin ### The Traditional Game of Ampe **Ampe** is an active, rhythmic game originating from Ghana and played across West Africa. Traditionally played in schoolyards, courtyards, and social gatherings, it involves jumping, clapping, and kicking feet forward in synchronised movements. In group variations, players arrange themselves in circles or lines, taking turns challenging a central player with the goal of anticipating foot positions to score points and take positions. ### The Maths Camp Inspiration During an immersive mathematics camp in Ghana supported by the charity **Supporting African Maths Initiatives (SAMI)**, educator and mathematician **Emily Fleming** was taught Ampe and it inspired her to create this circle permutation puzzle inspired by the mechanics and flow of the game. The puzzle translates the dynamic player exchanges of the traditional circle game into an engaging mathematical problem exploring permutations and optimal strategy. --- ## How the Puzzle Works ### Setup - Select the number of players $N$ (from **3** to **9**). - Player **1** starts in the **middle**. - Players **$2, 3, \dots, N$** start arranged clockwise around the **circle**. ### Rules & Mechanics In each step, the player in the middle plays against the current highlighted opponent in the circle: 1. **Middle Player Wins:** - The middle player stays in the center. - The circle seating remains unchanged. - The turn advances to the next player clockwise around the circle. 2. **Opponent Wins:** - The opponent swaps places with the middle player (the opponent enters the middle, and the previous middle player takes the opponent's seat in the circle). - The t …