Mathematics of Games and Gambling
Mathematics of Games and Gambling
The new edition of a favourite which introduces and develops some of the important and beautiful elementary mathematics needed for rational analysis of various gambling and game activities. Most of the standard casino games (roulette, craps, blackjack, keno), some social games (backgammon, poker, bridge) and various other activities (state lotteries, horse racing) are treated in ways that bring out their mathematical aspects. The mathematics developed ranges from the predictable concepts of probability, expectation, and binomial coefficients to some less well-known ideas of elementary game theory. The second edition includes new material on:
• Sports betting and the mathematics behind it
• Game theory applied to bluffing in poker and related to the 'Texas Holdem phenomenon'
• The Nash equilibrium concept and its emergence in popular culture
• Internet links to games and Java applets for practice and classroom use.
Game-related exercises are included and solutions to some appear at the end of the book.
- The first edition of this MAA Classic was reprinted eight times!
- Emphasizes the mathematical ideas behind games and playing them strategically
- Only very basic mathematical background needed
Reviews & endorsements
Review of first edition: 'The whole book is written with great urbanity and clarity. It is hard to see how it could be done better or more readably. The main virtue lies in the close and clever interweaving of theory and example.' Mathematical Gazette
Review of first edition: This is an informal, well-written, and witty exposition of the usefulness of mathematics and its analytical processes. The book covers gambling and betting schemes in math in greater detail than do most textbooks on introductory probability.' The Mathematics Teacher
Product details
No date availableHardback
9780883856468
188 pages
235 × 158 × 16 mm
0.394kg
Table of Contents
- Preface to the first edition
- Preface to the second edition
- 1. The phenomenon of gambling
- 2. Finite probabilities and great expectations
- 3. Backgammon and other dice diversions
- 4. Permutations, combinations and applications
- 5. Play it again Sam: the binomial distribution
- 6. Elementary game theory
- 7. Odds and ends
- Answers/Hints for selected exercises
- Bibliography
- Index.
