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On Numbers and Games by John Horton Conway
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On Numbers and Games (original 1976; edition 2000)

by John Horton Conway

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2233120,005 (4.36)1
"ONAG, as the book is commonly known, is one of those rare publications that sprang to life in a moment of creative energy and has remained influential for over a quarter of a century. Originally written to define the relation between the theories of transfinite numbers and mathematical games, the resulting work is a mathematically sophisticated but eminently enjoyable guide to game theory. By defining numbers as the strengths of positions in certain games, the author arrives at a new class, the surreal numbers, that includes both real numbers and ordinal numbers. These surreal numbers are applied in the author's mathematical analysis of game strategies. The additions to the Second Edition present recent developments in the area of mathematical game theory, with a concentration on surreal numbers and the additive theory of partizan games."--Provided by publisher.… (more)
Member:xoanon93
Title:On Numbers and Games
Authors:John Horton Conway
Info:AK Peters, Ltd. (2000), Edition: 2nd, Hardcover, 242 pages
Collections:Your library, Mathematics - General
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On Numbers and Games by John Horton Conway (1976)

  1. 00
    Mathematics made difficult by Carl E Linderholm (kevinashley)
    kevinashley: Linderholm's book differs from Conway's in that Linderholm's primary purpose is to amuse, whilst making some serious observations about mathematics in the process, whereas Conway is exploring interesting mathematics whilst retaining a sense of fun in doing it. Both are ideal for those between school and university (although much of Linderholm's book is inaccessible without a lot more algebra.) If you don't find these books fun, a degree in mathematics may not be your best choice. If you do find them fun - go for it. You won't be disappointed.… (more)
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I read the first edition of this book as an undergraduate student of mathematics and, like many of my peers, was astonished at the effortless way in which an entire new class of numbers was defined, and then extended again to embrace the world of mathematical games. It's deep, yet playful (anything which deals with 'surreal numbers' is OK by me) and accessible, although not to someone without some knowledge of algebra. Conway is an inventive genius and nowhere is that more obvious than in this book.
(The copy catalogued here is the second edition of 2001; the original dates from 1976, when I first read it.)
This ranks with "Mathematics made difficult" and most of Martin Gardner's mathematical diversions as essential reading for enthusiasts of mathematics. It reminds you why it's fun. ( )
  kevinashley | Apr 9, 2009 |
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"ONAG, as the book is commonly known, is one of those rare publications that sprang to life in a moment of creative energy and has remained influential for over a quarter of a century. Originally written to define the relation between the theories of transfinite numbers and mathematical games, the resulting work is a mathematically sophisticated but eminently enjoyable guide to game theory. By defining numbers as the strengths of positions in certain games, the author arrives at a new class, the surreal numbers, that includes both real numbers and ordinal numbers. These surreal numbers are applied in the author's mathematical analysis of game strategies. The additions to the Second Edition present recent developments in the area of mathematical game theory, with a concentration on surreal numbers and the additive theory of partizan games."--Provided by publisher.

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