The Compleat Strategyst

John Davis Williams

ISBN 10: 0486251012 / ISBN 13: 9780486251011

Published by Dover Publications Inc., US, 2003

About this Item

This entertaining text is essential for anyone interested in game theory. Only a basic understanding of arithmetic is needed to grasp the necessary aspects of strategy games for two, three, four, and more players that feature two or more sets of inimical interests and a limitless array of zero-sum payoffs.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780486251011

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Compleat Strategyst
• Publisher: Dover Publications Inc., US
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0486251012
• ISBN 13: 9780486251011
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 319 grams

About this title

Synopsis

When J. D. Williams wrote this entertaining, witty introduction for the nonscientist, game theory was still a somewhat mysterious subject familiar to very few scientists beyond those researchers, like himself, working for the military. Now, over thirty years after its original publication as a Rand Corporation research study, his light-hearted though thoroughly effective primer is the recognized classic introduction to an increasingly applicable discipline. Used by amateurs, professionals, and students throughout the world in the classroom, on the job, and for personal amusement, the book has been through ten printings, and has been translated into at least five languages (including Russian and Japanese).
Revised, updated, and available for the first time in an inexpensive paperback edition, The Compleat Strategyst is a highly entertaining text essential for anyone interested in this provocative and engaging area of modern mathematics. In fully illustrated chapters complete with everyday examples and word problems, Williams offers readers a working understanding of the possible methods for selecting strategies in a variety of situations, simple to complex. With just a basic understanding of arithmetic, anyone can grasp all necessary aspects of two-, three-, four-, and larger strategy games with two or more sets of inimical interests and a limitless array of zero-sum payoffs.
As research and study continues not only in this new discipline but in the related areas of statistics, probability and behavioral science, understanding of games, decision making, and the development of strategies will be increasingly important. In the areas of economics, sociology, politics, and the military, game theory is sure to have an even wider impact. For students and amateurs fascinated by game theory's implications there is no better, immediately applicable, or more entertaining introduction to the subject than this engaging text by the late J. D. Williams, Professor of Mathematics at Princeton University and a member of the Research Council of The Rand Corporation.

From the Inside Flap

Classic game theory primer from 1954 that discusses basic concepts of game theory and its applications, and which popularized the subject for amateurs, professionals, and students throughout the world.