| The Mathematics of Games Contributor(s): Beasley, John D. (Author) |
|
 |
ISBN: 0486449769 ISBN-13: 9780486449760 Publisher: Dover Publications OUR PRICE: $8.96 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: January 2006 * Not available - Not in print at this time *Annotation: This book examines how simple mathematical analysis can throw unexpected light on games of every type -- games of chance, games of skill, games of chance and skill, and automatic games. Discusses& nbsp; classic puzzles as peg solitaire and Rubik's cube. Lucid, instructive, and full of surprises, it will fascinate mathematicians and gamesters alike. 1989 edition. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Mathematics | Game Theory |
| Dewey: 519.3 |
| LCCN: 2005054671 |
| Series: Dover Books on Mathematics |
| Physical Information: 0.39" H x 5.26" W x 8.5" (0.44 lbs) 169 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: "Mind-exercising and thought-provoking."--New Scientist If playing games is natural for humans, analyzing games is equally natural for mathematicians. Even the simplest of games involves the fundamentals of mathematics, such as figuring out the best move or the odds of a certain chance event. This entertaining and wide-ranging guide demonstrates how simple mathematical analysis can throw unexpected light on games of every type--games of chance, games of skill, games of chance and skill, and automatic games. Just how random is a card shuffle or a throw of the dice? Is bluffing a valid poker strategy? How can you tell if a puzzle is unsolvable? How large a role does luck play in games like golf and soccer? This book examines each of these issues and many others, along with the general principles behind such classic puzzles as peg solitaire and Rubik's cube. Lucid, instructive, and full of surprises, it will fascinate mathematicians and gamesters alike. |