The Mathematics of Games And Gambling: Second Edition. The Anneli Lax New Mathematical Library

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 192 pages
• Published by: Mathematical Assn of Amer
• Edition: 2nd Edition July 15, 2006
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0883856468
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0883856468
• Book Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Weighs: 9.6 ounces

Product Review
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 Review
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

Reader Reviews
As a casual poker player and a sometimes visitor to casinos and race tracks, I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book; however, I found it was just what I needed. Was it a how-to book for Texas Holdem or other specific gambling pursuits? Not at all. But did the book give me ideas on how to improve my poker playing, my understanding of odds and betting strategy in a wide variety of games? Definitely! There's a vast amount of information in a relatively compact book. True it takes a little bit of math background to work through some of the material, but there is enough basic material along with ample references to a relevant bibliography and appropriate web sites so that everyone could learn something from this book. The author is quick to point out his intention of not delving too deeply into some topics, but he does provide abundant resources for the reader who is interested in digging deeper. The writing style is light and enjoyable. The author even touches on life's lessons and philosophies of life, but most importantly he provides insight into the thought process employed by consistent winners. Along with the number of charts and tables that layout odds, decision trees, and probabilities, there are exercises at the end of each chapter for the reader to increase his understanding of the material presented. It is a book that can be read through from beginning to end or read in sections. The book is certainly digestible for the casual, interested reader, but maybe not all in one meal. Digesting it section by section worked better for me. Again there is a wide range of information on gambling theory with broad application. The book starts with a brief history of gambling, even referencing some literature in which gambling played a role. The book studies basic theory involved in probability and expectations, permutations, binomial distribution and game theory. There are sections dedicated to various games from dice to poker to backgammon along with applications to more serious topics such as prisoner interrogation, faith beliefs and even war. In today's age in which people are trying to engage in activities that exercise their minds, this book with its material and exercises provides ideal mind stimulation. It is a broad, educational and entertaining math book.