Mathematical Reviews

Exercises at the end of each chapter (with answers provided in the back) and a list of references invite the reader to get actively involved. Special care has been taken in presenting interesting and diverse applications: among other things, Newcomb's problem and free will as an application to philosophy. The author has succeeded in producing an outstanding introductory textbook on game theory for an interdisciplinary audience at the college level. The reviewer has enjoyed reading it.

Review

'Game Theory and Strategy is an elegant, crystal-clear expository work. Key concepts are emphasized and clearly explained.' Nature

The UMAP Journal

Straffin's "Game Theory" book inspires the reader to learn more and indeed teach more about game theory. If the reader is a college professor, then she is inclined to beg to teach an introductory course on game theory just to have an excuse to use this book. On the other hand, if the reader is a student, he might just go and beg for that course to be offered. The level of most of this book is perfect for a freshman- or sophomore-level college course with students who are not afraid of basic algebra and geometry. Higher-level mathematics courses are not needed, but it helps if the reader is prepared to think mathematically and rigorously.

Book Description

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 gently builds to mathematical thinking of some sophistication. Game Theory and Strategy might serve as an introduction to both axiomatic mathematical thinking and the fundamental process of mathematical modelling. It gives insight into both the nature of pure mathematics, and the way in which mathematics can be applied to real problems.