Mathematics of Games and Gambling

Edward Packel

190 pages, parution le 04/04/2007 (2^eme édition)

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Résumé

This book 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, etc.) 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 the popular culture
Internet links to games and to Java applets for practice and classroom use

The only formal mathematics background the reader needs is some facility with high school algebra. Game-related exercises are included at the end of most chapters for readers interested in working with and expanding ideas treated in the text. Solutions to some of the exercises appear at the end of the book.

Sommaire

The Phenomenon of Gambling
Finite Probabilities and Great Expectations
Backgammon and Other Dice Diversions
Permutations, Combinations and Applications
Play it Again Sam: The Binomial Distribution
Elementary Game Theory
Odds and Ends
Answers/Hints for Selected Exercises

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Caractéristiques techniques

	PAPIER
Éditeur(s)	The Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
Auteur(s)	Edward Packel
Parution	04/04/2007
Édition	2^eme édition
Nb. de pages	190
Format	16 x 24
Couverture	Relié
Poids	390g
Intérieur	Noir et Blanc
EAN13	9780883856468
ISBN13	978-0-88385-646-8