Class

The Mathematics of Games and Puzzles: From Cards to Sudoku

$49.99

You Save 75%

At a Glance:

In-depth Instruction; over 545 mins
On-demand video access anytime
Bonus downloadable PDF resources
Access to class Q&A

Item: W01578E

Description

Description

Games and puzzles tease our brains, challenge our memories and strengthen our competitive skills. And whether it’s chess, poker or Sudoku, everything you need to win is rooted in mathematics. Get an in-depth look at math-oriented strategies to play — and win — games with acclaimed mathematician Arthur. T. Benjamin, Ph.D. Discover a rewarding set of skills that you can apply to countless games and puzzles, whether you’re playing in your living room or in a crowded casino. You’ll see that behind even the simplest of games lies proof of just how far-reaching mathematics is in your everyday life.

Class Sessions

Let the Games Begin!

Let the Games Begin!

49:14

Meet your instructor, mathematician Arthur Benjamin, and begin by exploring general strategies for successfully solving simple games and puzzles. You'll see how mathematical ideas and concepts are essential to increasing your chances of winning.

Games of Chance & Winning Wagers

Games of Chance & Winning Wagers

44:57

Investigate games of chance like roulette and craps. Evaluate the fairness (or unfairness) of these games by using the ever-important concept of expected value. Plus, learn how to use the Kelly criterion or the Gambler's Ruin formula to help you decide your best wagering strategies.

Optimal Blackjack & Simple Card Counting

Optimal Blackjack & Simple Card Counting

44:33

Here, Arthur helps you strengthen your blackjack and card-counting skills. Follow along as he takes you through scenarios of increasing difficulty, then demonstrates the secrets of simple card counting. You'll understand when to stand, hit, double and split.

Mixed Strategies & the Art of Bluffing

Mixed Strategies & the Art of Bluffing

39:30

Discover how math can be used to bluff (play unpredictably) and win zero-sum games like simplified poker through powerful strategies, including the equilibrium strategy.

Practical Poker Probabilities

Practical Poker Probabilities

44:26

Investigate the mathematical backbone of Texas Hold'em, one of the most popular traditional poker games. Then explore simple and effective strategies for playing video poker.

Expert Backgammon

Expert Backgammon

44:06

Arthur explains the rules of backgammon, as well as basic strategies for winning, the best ways to play your opening rolls, and how math constantly enters the picture, from figuring out the safest way to move your checkers to the all-important doubling cube.

Games You Can't Lose & Sneaky Puzzles

Games You Can't Lose & Sneaky Puzzles

43:41

Explore the fundamentals of nontransitive properties through penny ante, Bingo, and games involving dice and cards. After that, get a lively introduction to some simple puzzles involving cups, coins and toothpicks, plus their surprisingly sneaky answers.

Solving "Impossible" Puzzles

Solving "Impossible" Puzzles

45:06

Try your hand at classic "unsolvable" puzzles that involve sliding blocks, jumping pegs and blinking lights. After you've mastered some handy mathematical concepts for solving these puzzles, they won't seem so impossible anymore.

Mastering Rubik's Cube

Mastering Rubik's Cube

45:57

The Rubik's Cube is one of the most famous puzzles ever invented. Here, Arthur shares an easy-to-learn, eight-step method for solving this mind-bending puzzle quickly and accurately every time. With practice, you'll be able to solve any Rubik's Cube in under three minutes!

Solving Sudoku

49:57

Unlock the key to solving Sudoku problems by training your mind to look for patterns and use careful logic, just like mathematicians. Arthur shares helpful techniques and strategies to help you overcome even the most difficult grids.

Mathematics & Chess

Mathematics & Chess

45:22

Discover the connections between math and chess. After a brief overview of the game, go over classic chess puzzles and problems, tapping into the power of strategies and tactics. Plus get insider tips that are sure to improve your chess game the next time you sit down to play.

Winning Ways: It's Your Move!

Winning Ways: It's Your Move!

47:18

Finally, look back at the three general categories of games: when the last player to move wins; when the first player to create a structure wins; and when the player who accumulates the most items wins. Also, take a look at how computers play games, and how they've helped us become better players.

Your Instructor

Arthur T. Benjamin

Arthur T. Benjamin is professor of mathematics at Harvey Mudd College. He earned a Ph.D. in Mathematical Sciences from Johns Hopkins University in 1989. Prof. Benjamin's teaching has been honored repeatedly by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). In 2000, he received the MAA Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo National Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics. The MAA also named Professor Benjamin the 2006-08 George Pólya Lecturer. In 2012, Princeton Review profiled him in "The Best 300 Professors." Prof. Benjamin is a winner of the American Backgammon Tour and has been featured in dozens of TV and radio programs, as well as publications including Scientific American, People Magazine and The New York Times.

Arthur T. Benjamin

Bonus Material

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