In 1988, James Dow Allen and Victor Allis independently solved Connect 4, meaning that they found a way to predict the outcome of any game (win, lose or draw), assuming both players play perfectly.

With our favourite set of matching plaid pyjamas on, the activities would consist simply of Christmas movies and festive board games. Lakeside walks can wait for weekends in the summer.

Christmas is one of the few occasions in the year that the whole family is brought together. It’s a time for wholesome fun, from the feast to the annual seasonal film screenings. There’s also plenty ...