Mathematics of Games and GamblingThe new edition of a favourite which 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) 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 popular culture • Internet links to games and Java applets for practice and classroom use. Game-related exercises are included and solutions to some appear at the end of the book. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
American roulette analysis assume backgammon bets binomial distribution blackjack blot bluffing calculations cards casino chance Chapter chess chuck-a-luck column compute the probability consider counting craps dealt deck dice dollar Double Six doubling cube draw elementary events example Exercise expected value Figure free odds gambler gambling game theory game tree given hand HEXPAWN horse house edge house odds Illinois State Lottery initial inner table jackpot Jacks or Better keno lose lottery match mathematical maximin MEGA MILLIONS mixed strategy move MWCs Nash Nash equilibrium node nonzero-sum game numbers drawn obtain opponent opponent's optimal strategies pair pass bettors pieces player possible probability of winning question rational reader reasoning Roll Four roulette wheel royal flush rules saddle point show pool simple game situations solution Spades specific stake straight flush success Texas Holdem ticket triangle types units video poker wager winner winning coalitions zero zero-sum