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Game Theory: A Playful Introduction
 
Matt DeVos Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
Deborah A. Kent Drake University, Des Moines, IA
Game Theory
Softcover ISBN:  978-1-4704-2210-3
Product Code:  STML/80
List Price: $59.00
Individual Price: $47.20
eBook ISBN:  978-1-4704-3597-4
Product Code:  STML/80.E
List Price: $49.00
Individual Price: $39.20
Softcover ISBN:  978-1-4704-2210-3
eBook: ISBN:  978-1-4704-3597-4
Product Code:  STML/80.B
List Price: $108.00 $83.50
Game Theory
Click above image for expanded view
Game Theory: A Playful Introduction
Matt DeVos Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
Deborah A. Kent Drake University, Des Moines, IA
Softcover ISBN:  978-1-4704-2210-3
Product Code:  STML/80
List Price: $59.00
Individual Price: $47.20
eBook ISBN:  978-1-4704-3597-4
Product Code:  STML/80.E
List Price: $49.00
Individual Price: $39.20
Softcover ISBN:  978-1-4704-2210-3
eBook ISBN:  978-1-4704-3597-4
Product Code:  STML/80.B
List Price: $108.00 $83.50
  • Book Details
     
     
    Student Mathematical Library
    Volume: 802016; 343 pp
    MSC: Primary 91

    This book offers a gentle introduction to the mathematics of both sides of game theory: combinatorial and classical. The combination allows for a dynamic and rich tour of the subject united by a common theme of strategic reasoning.

    The first four chapters develop combinatorial game theory, beginning with an introduction to game trees and mathematical induction, then investigating the games of Nim and Hackenbush. The analysis of these games concludes with the cornerstones of the Sprague-Grundy Theorem and the Simplicity Principle.

    The last eight chapters of the book offer a scenic journey through the mathematical highlights of classical game theory. This contains a thorough treatment of zero-sum games and the von Neumann Minimax Theorem, as well as a student-friendly development and proof of the Nash Equilibrium Theorem. The Folk Theorem, Arrow's voting paradox, evolutionary biology, cake cutting, and other engaging auxiliary topics also appear.

    The book is designed as a textbook for an undergraduate mathematics class. With ample material and limited dependencies between the chapters, the book is adaptable to a variety of situations and a range of audiences. Instructors, students, and independent readers alike will appreciate the flexibility in content choices as well as the generous sets of exercises at various levels.

    Readership

    Undergraduate students, graduate students, and researchers interested in game theory.

  • Table of Contents
     
     
    • Chapters
    • Chapter 1. Combinatorial games
    • Chapter 2. Normal-play games
    • Chapter 3. Impartial games
    • Chapter 4. Hackenbush and partizan games
    • Chapter 5. Zero-sum matrix games
    • Chapter 6. Von Neumann’s Minimax Theorem
    • Chapter 7. General games
    • Chapter 8. Nash equilibrium and applications
    • Chapter 9. Nash’s Equilibrium Theorem
    • Chapter 10. Cooperation
    • Chapter 11. $n$-player games
    • Chapter 12. Preferences and society
    • Appendix A. On games and numbers
    • Appendix B. Linear programming
    • Appendix C. Nash equilibrium in high dimensions
  • Reviews
     
     
    • 'Game theory: a playful introduction' is exactly as the title claims: an interactive introduction to the subject. It is a well-written text which starts with a thorough analysis of combinatorial game theory before smoothly transitioning to classical game theory...Not only is the text readable, but there are also an adequate number of exercises at the end of each chapter. These exercises are structured as a scaffold beginning with a check of basic skills and building up to challenging proofs...Overall, this text is a well-structured, well-written introduction to game theory.

      Brittany Shelton, Mathematical Reviews
    • The topics covered here are chosen for a broad and versatile look at the subject, the writing style is clear and enjoyable, examples are plentiful, and there is a good selection of exercises, both computational and proof-oriented...In addition to clear and engaging writing, and a good selection of exercises, this book also boasts an excellent bibliography...I have no hesitation whatsoever recommending it as a text for an introductory undergraduate course.

      Mark Hunacek, MAA Reviews
  • Requests
     
     
    Review Copy – for publishers of book reviews
    Desk Copy – for instructors who have adopted an AMS textbook for a course
    Examination Copy – for faculty considering an AMS textbook for a course
    Permission – for use of book, eBook, or Journal content
    Accessibility – to request an alternate format of an AMS title
Volume: 802016; 343 pp
MSC: Primary 91

This book offers a gentle introduction to the mathematics of both sides of game theory: combinatorial and classical. The combination allows for a dynamic and rich tour of the subject united by a common theme of strategic reasoning.

The first four chapters develop combinatorial game theory, beginning with an introduction to game trees and mathematical induction, then investigating the games of Nim and Hackenbush. The analysis of these games concludes with the cornerstones of the Sprague-Grundy Theorem and the Simplicity Principle.

The last eight chapters of the book offer a scenic journey through the mathematical highlights of classical game theory. This contains a thorough treatment of zero-sum games and the von Neumann Minimax Theorem, as well as a student-friendly development and proof of the Nash Equilibrium Theorem. The Folk Theorem, Arrow's voting paradox, evolutionary biology, cake cutting, and other engaging auxiliary topics also appear.

The book is designed as a textbook for an undergraduate mathematics class. With ample material and limited dependencies between the chapters, the book is adaptable to a variety of situations and a range of audiences. Instructors, students, and independent readers alike will appreciate the flexibility in content choices as well as the generous sets of exercises at various levels.

Readership

Undergraduate students, graduate students, and researchers interested in game theory.

  • Chapters
  • Chapter 1. Combinatorial games
  • Chapter 2. Normal-play games
  • Chapter 3. Impartial games
  • Chapter 4. Hackenbush and partizan games
  • Chapter 5. Zero-sum matrix games
  • Chapter 6. Von Neumann’s Minimax Theorem
  • Chapter 7. General games
  • Chapter 8. Nash equilibrium and applications
  • Chapter 9. Nash’s Equilibrium Theorem
  • Chapter 10. Cooperation
  • Chapter 11. $n$-player games
  • Chapter 12. Preferences and society
  • Appendix A. On games and numbers
  • Appendix B. Linear programming
  • Appendix C. Nash equilibrium in high dimensions
  • 'Game theory: a playful introduction' is exactly as the title claims: an interactive introduction to the subject. It is a well-written text which starts with a thorough analysis of combinatorial game theory before smoothly transitioning to classical game theory...Not only is the text readable, but there are also an adequate number of exercises at the end of each chapter. These exercises are structured as a scaffold beginning with a check of basic skills and building up to challenging proofs...Overall, this text is a well-structured, well-written introduction to game theory.

    Brittany Shelton, Mathematical Reviews
  • The topics covered here are chosen for a broad and versatile look at the subject, the writing style is clear and enjoyable, examples are plentiful, and there is a good selection of exercises, both computational and proof-oriented...In addition to clear and engaging writing, and a good selection of exercises, this book also boasts an excellent bibliography...I have no hesitation whatsoever recommending it as a text for an introductory undergraduate course.

    Mark Hunacek, MAA Reviews
Review Copy – for publishers of book reviews
Desk Copy – for instructors who have adopted an AMS textbook for a course
Examination Copy – for faculty considering an AMS textbook for a course
Permission – for use of book, eBook, or Journal content
Accessibility – to request an alternate format of an AMS title
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