Combinatorial game theory
The next-easiest game has only one pile, with just one counter.  If the left player goes first, that player must take the counter, leaving right with no moves ({|}, or 0).  If instead right moves first, there will be no more moves for left.  So both left and right can make a move to 0.  That is shown as {{|}|{|}}, or {0|0}.  The first player to move will win.  Games equal to {0|0} are very important.  They are written with the symbol, * (star).