Make the CPU take the last pudding to win. On each turn choose exactly one of three plates and remove 1, 2 or 3 puddings from it. Track the amount on each plate, not just the total. Random refills prevent any verified fixed sequence from guaranteeing victory.
Play: https://tonkatsu-no-game.itch.io/last-pudding
From setup to the final turn
- Choose 12, 20 or 30 puddings, a CPU difficulty and the starting player. Twelve is easiest for learning.
- Start and count the contents of all three plates.
- Select one plate and remove 1–3 puddings. You cannot take from multiple plates in a single turn.
- Recount after the CPU moves and whenever the refill event adds puddings.
- Try to give the CPU a turn with exactly one pudding remaining. Whoever takes the final one loses.
Quick decision table
| Position | Your move | Result | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| One plate, 2 left | Take 1 | Leave 1 for CPU | Rules and calculation |
| One plate, 3 left | Take 2 | Leave 1 | Rules and calculation |
| One plate, 4 left | Take 3 | Leave 1 | Rules and calculation |
| One plate, 5 left | No forced win without refills | Bad position against perfect play | Calculation |
| Plates 4–4–4 | Take 3 from one plate | Leave 1–4–4 | Calculation |
| Plates 2–2–1 | Take the single pudding | Leave 2–2–0 | Calculation |
| Refill occurs | Recount all plates | Update your plan | Game instructions |
| One pudding on your turn | Take the last one | You lose | Official rules |
A stronger three-plate method
For the mathematical game without refills, take each plate count modulo 4. If any remainder is 2 or 3, aim to leave the opponent a position where the bitwise XOR of the three remainders equals zero. If all remainders are 0 or 1, aim for an odd number of plates whose remainder is 1. These are losing positions for the next player under optimal play.
For example, 4–4–4 becomes 1–4–4 after taking three from one plate. From 2–2–1, take the isolated pudding to leave 2–2–0. Conversely, 6–6–8 is unfavorable for the first player without refills. A total divisible by four is not enough to predict the winner.
Refills and mistakes
A refill adds puddings to a random plate. Recalculate after each event; the no-refill formula cannot predict future additions. The official description confirms three starting totals and three CPU difficulties, but not the exact refill probability or CPU algorithms. A full hands-on win has not been independently tested for this guide.
Conclusion
Learn the endgame first: when only one plate remains, leave exactly one pudding for the CPU whenever possible. Then use the three-plate calculation to prepare that finish, adjusting after refills. The last dessert is the one nobody wants.
Sources: Developer page, in-game rules, checked October 24, 2026 JST. Examples are mathematical deductions, not a claimed playthrough.
