“Rings” opens with Ye Olde Original Carousel Ring Game, where there are only two types of riders: a single jockey and several Jesters. You are the Jockey, who can take or pass a Silver Ring when it is your turn at the dispenser. Jesters always take the available ring.

Unlike the merry-go-round of my childhood, you will know the number of Silver Rings in the dispenser.   Because you have no active opponent, “Ye Olde Original Carousel Ring Game” lacks strategic interaction; mathematicians would not call that setting a proper game.  A more accurate description is that “Ye Olde Original Carousel Ring Game” is a puzzle which you solve by finding a path to the Gold Ring.   Winning paths are characterized by appropriate sequences of Takes and Passes.

Virtual carousels in “Rings” vary in size from 4 to 8 horses, and you get to occupy all playing positions.  All rides are configured so that you have a chance to win; in general, there are several pathways of Takes and Passes that lead to the Gold Ring.