Spin glasses: the game

TL;DR

This work presents a spin-glass–inspired two-player board game that encodes Ising-like interactions through ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic bonds and spin orientations. It introduces energy-based mechanics, where bond satisfaction determines local energies, and spins transition between stable, unstable, and free states, guiding flips and strategic play. The paper provides comprehensive rules, illustrative examples, action cards that modify gameplay, finishing and evaluation procedures, and variants for scalability and pedagogy. As an educational tool, it offers an accessible way to explore spin-glass concepts and energy minimization, suitable for players aged 10+ and adaptable to cheap, printable production.

Abstract

This document presents the rules of a tactical two-player board game which is inspired by spin glasses. The aim is, while placing bonds and spins, to achieve a majority of the spins facing the chosen direction of each player. The game has been already successfully used in university teaching but should be accessible to players from age 10 and up. (Note that there is a non-physics version of the rules available at www.compphys.uni-oldenburg.de which formulates the game in terms of a comptetion between party hosts.) Material is included such that a cheap version of the board game can be made using a color printer, scissors and glue.