Winning Ways for your mathematical plays. Volume 2: Games in Particular

Winning Ways for Your Mathematical Plays #1st edition, volume 2

by Elwyn R. Berlekamp, John H. Conway, Richard K. Guy

Winning Ways includes several theories for a wide range of different compounds which are described in detail in the first volume, Games in General. In this volume, Games in Particular, there is a dazzling presentation of the any game which presents an opportunity for witty and original comment has been included. The analyses start with basic theory using simple examples, but progress to detailed case-studies of well-known games ranging from the elementary to the elaborate and including Tic-Tac-Toe, Dots-and-Boxes, Hackenbush, Peg Solitaire and the maddening Hungarian cube puzzle.

Genres: Mathematics, Science, Nonfiction, Games

472 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1982

About the author

Elwyn Ralph Berlekamp was a professor emeritus of mathematics and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley. He was known for his work in information theory and combinatorial game theory.

Reviews

[Liedzeit Liedzeit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember buying this book in Oxford. It was extremely expensive. This is why I only bought the second volume. A pity. But the second volume contains their treatment of Life. Yes, Life is truly universal.
An amazing book. Funny and full of ideas.

[Frank Ashe · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the conclusion of this book they provide a hand-waving proof that "games" can be simple enough and complicated enough to provide a universe in which intelligent life can evolve.

And along the way they show the optimum strategy for playing boxes. I must brush up on that strategy for when my grandkids start to play. It's not that I'm competitive, it's just that when I want to win I want to make sure I can. :-)