Matchbox Game Simulation Between Two Players in Python

Program Overview

This is a two-player game with n matchboxes.
On each turn, a player can take between 1 and k matchboxes.
The player who takes the last matchbox loses.
The program alternates turns between Player 1 and Player 2 and announces the loser at the end.

Python Code:

def matchbox_game(n: int, k: int):
    turn = 0  # 0: Player 1, 1: Player 2
    while n > 0:
        print(f"\nRemaining matchboxes: {n}")
        move = int(input(f"Player {turn + 1}, pick 1 to {min(k, n)} matchboxes: "))
        if move < 1 or move > min(k, n):
            print("Invalid move. Try again.")
            continue
        n -= move
        if n == 0:
            print(f"\nPlayer {turn + 1} took the last matchbox and loses!")
            break
        turn = 1 - turn

# Read inputs from user
n = int(input("Enter total number of matchboxes: "))
k = int(input("Enter maximum number allowed per turn: "))
matchbox_game(n, k)

Sample Output:

Total matchboxes: 10  
Maximum per turn: 3  

Remaining matchboxes: 10  
Player 1, pick 1 to 3 matchboxes: 2  

Remaining matchboxes: 8  
Player 2, pick 1 to 3 matchboxes: 3  

Remaining matchboxes: 5  
Player 1, pick 1 to 3 matchboxes: 2  

Remaining matchboxes: 3  
Player 2, pick 1 to 3 matchboxes: 3  

Player 2 took the last matchbox and loses!

Step-by-Step Explanation:

- The game starts with n matchboxes
- Players alternate turns, each picking between 1 and k matchboxes
- If a player takes the last matchbox, they lose