Customer Reviews

Two-Person Game Theory (Dover Books on Mathematics)

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If you want to learn the underlying foundations of game theory, and do not want anything over-technical or under-technical in its explanation and description, then this is a good book to consider. Most introductory game theory books usually plunge you into the math immediately and the remaining few use very little of it and focus on the qualitative aspects. If you're looking for a book that can both teach you game theory and the math behind it, but assumes all you know is the math you know or remember was from high school, then Two-Person Game Theory is what you've been looking for. This book begins essentially with no usage of mathematical jargon whatsoever and slowly works in the math a little more each chapter. By the last third of the book, there is substantial use of math in each chapter, but by then it is understandable because of this slowly increasing dosage you've been exposed to while reading. In any case, the mathematical background requirements of the reader is minimal. For most of the book all you will encounter are basic concepts of probability, with some simple algebra and a few instances of calculus used in the later chapters, though these parts aren't integral for overall understanding if you're just getting into game theory. However, the author also provides a verbal account for the rationale and underlying logic for every mathematical equation and representation he introduces. Overall, this is an excellent introductory book, especially if you're intimidated by math but still want to learn about game theory and the math behind it.

Definitely a must reading if you are interested in game theory, conflict resolution or behavioral science. This very enjoyable book is full of interesting and colorful examples to illustrate each covered topic.
Rapoport combines an interesting and rare mix of skills: a mathematical expertise, an extensive and deep knowledge of behavioral science and an amenable writing style. The result is little-great book that knits together work in decision-making, psychology, strategic thinking and pure game theory. In this remarkable and illuminating text the relevant concepts are introduced in a very clear way. In the last chapter the author offers a critical review assessing strong and weaknesses of Game Theory for purposes of modeling human behavior and situations characterized by conflicts of interest. The main conclusion is a remarkable one: the great value of game theory is in its power to reveal its own incompleteness.