[timm5]

Thats exactly what i said!! What is the big deal? Actually I did play someone with 6 dots and won... so i think there might be ways of changing the outcome, for example if you use a line to encircle other lines to cut off their access. Either way, I thought this was a strategy game and it seems closer to the "dots and boxes" pencil game, ie...

[gjm11]

Dots-and-boxes is a game with real strategy to it, too. See "Winning Ways" or Berlekamp's book that's just about D+B.

[timm5]

clarification: i played someone as player 1, with 6 dots, and won.

[gjm11]

Brussels Sprouts is completely determined: it doesn't matter how you play, the winner is a function only of the number of spots.

Sprouts is not; one can play it well or badly, and it makes a difference.