[Spoilers] Math Behind Spooky Peter's End Game Moment

[Ben]

Spooky Peter's weird, seemingly impossible game was inspired by (and technically just is) a classic math game called NIM. It's a logic puzzle where one player, under specific conditions, can have enough control to make the game impossible for the other player to win.
Here's a fun video explaining how it works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KABcmczPdg
There is one way to win the game against Spooky Peter. I won't say how because I'm mean. But you have to let him go first.

[Kalliope]

I loved this bit so much! It's just the sort of "oldie but goodie" trick that I'd expect Pete to pick up and continue to use over the years. :D

...unfortunately for him, I knew the trick and dusted him on the rematch. ;) Yes, that's a pun; sorry not sorry.

[Ben]

Nice, Kalliope. Nice.