Game Theory and Strategy

By Philip D. Straffin

Book Overview

This book pays careful attention to applications of game theory in a wide variety of disciplines. The applications are treated in considerable depth. The book assumes only high school algebra, yet... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0883856379
• ISBN13: 9780883856376
• Release Date: September 1996
• Publisher: Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
• Length: 254 Pages
• Weight: 0.91 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Perfect First Simple Game Theory for Ordinary People

This is a good first book about game theory for those who are not afraid of math but not mathematically inclined. The book is full of math but the simple explanations and the way the author builds up to the theory makes it simple to follow. I actually bought this copy for my library. I had used this book in college but had borrowed that copy from a friend.

An Excellent Small Book on Game Theory

I read a couple of books on game theory. This is one of the better books... but it also has one small advantage... it's small. I carry it almost everywhere and read its short chapters (another advantage) without getting too tired. It's also quite difficult to get tired reading the book as the author keeps his explanations fairly simple, lively, and to the point.A good spread of topics and examples too!

Independent Research

I planned to do a talk on the subject of the mathematics of a particular game, called Snood, and I had to learn Game Theory quickly to do so. This book explains things well, and the exercises, while easy enough to do in my head, still cement everything very well so that I can honestly say that I have a solid understanding of the subject even though I just picked up a single book. Very good.

Best Introduction into Game Theory

I found this book to be a very enjoyable read, covering the most interesting ideas in game theory and how they have impacted on other sciences from biology to sociology. Almost no mathematical knowledge is required, because the text focuses on the ideas not the math. Even if you want to learn about Game Theory including the mathematical foundation, I recommend to read this book first. It will wet your appetite for Game Theory and show the breath of ideas and applications.

anyone from social science should take a look

This book is designed to be easy to read. Mathematical maturity is almost irrelevant. This is a book written by a good mathematician, about how society, not mathematics. It is rare that a mathematician can write well about such a topic. Dr. Straffin did it very well. One might almost think that he is an English professor who is "translating" what a mathematics professor is lecturing. Moreover, Dr. Straffin is not lecturing how social scientists should conduct their studies. Instead, he is sharing his "mathematical lens" with the audience to view this world. After reading this book, one who has little experience with mathematics should feel that mathematics is not dry, dull and meaningless. The author is trying to show us with examples that mathematics is not only about particles, rockets and other "dead boring things." Mathematics is a tool for us understand this world, the part of the world with human beings in the story.