More Games of No Chance (Mathematical Sciences Research Institute Publications) [Hardcover]

Richard Nowakowski (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521808324 | ISBN-13: 978-0521808323 | Publication Date: November 25, 2002

This book is a state-of-the-art look at combinatorial games, that is, games not involving chance or hidden information. It contains a fascinating collection of articles by some of the top names in the field, such as Elwyn Berlekamp and John Conway, plus other researchers in mathematics and computer science, together with some top game players. The articles run the gamut from new theoretical approaches (infinite games, generalizations of game values, 2-player cellular automata, Alpha-Beta pruning under partial orders) to the very latest in some of the hottest games (Amazons, Chomp, Dot-and-Boxes, Go, Chess, Hex). Many of these advances reflect the interplay of the computer science and the mathematics. The book ends with an updated bibliography by A. Fraenkel and an updated and annotated list of combinatorial game theory problems by R. K. Guy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Combinatorial games provide the teacher with a creative means to allow students to explore mathematical ideas and develop problem-solving skills. While the rules are simple, there are rich mathematical theories underlying these games. Students are puzzled at first, and seem to make random moves. By encouraging them to start with simple games with a small number of pieces and then gradually increase the complexity, students are able to formulate and test their own theories for strategic solutions."
S. Wali Abdi, School Science and Mathematics

Book Description

This fascinating collection of articles by some of the top names in the field is a state-of-the-art look at combinatorial games. The articles run the gamut from new theoretical approaches, where computer science now plays as much of a role as mathematics, to the very latest in some of the hottest games, such as Amazons, Chomp, Dot-and-Boxes, Go, Chess, Hex. Most articles give information helpful in playing or analyzing the games, and some go so far as to give explicit strategies for solving them. This volume, like its predecessor, Games of No Chance, should be on the shelf of all serious combinatorial games enthusiasts.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 548 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (November 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521808324
• ISBN-13: 978-0521808323
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,177,795 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

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1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars what practical purpose does the book serve?, May 29, 2006

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: More Games of No Chance (Mathematical Sciences Research Institute Publications) (Hardcover)

The book is a sequel to "Games of No Chance" that Nowakowski also edited. It continues in the flavour of that book, with chapters on various types of combinatorial games.

Naturally, variants of chess are well represented. One such being a long chessboard. Still with 8 rows. But perhaps with 12 files. Then, strategies revolving around Zugswang on this distorted board are analytically investigated. Then there is Amazons. No, not this website. But a game on a 10 x 10 board with queens or Amazons being placed according to some criteria. Go and Hex also make their appearances.

But apart from their curio status, I am deeply unsure what practical purpose this book serves. Perhaps none. Though the intellectual stimulation is a possible rejoinder. After all, what intrinsic value does a game of chess or Go have?