The Mathematics of Games and Gambling by Edward Packel

The Mathematics of Games and Gambling by Edward Packel

The first edition of this book was reprinted eight times! 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, 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.

Edward Packel is Volwiler Professor of Mathematics at Lake Forest College.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780883856468
ISBN 10	0883856468
Title	The Mathematics of Games and Gambling
Author	Edward Packel
Series	Anneli Lax New Mathematical Library
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Mathematical Association of America
Year published	2006-12-14
Number of pages	188
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.