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Is "On Numbers and Games" a good buy?
February 23, 2002 11:06 PM
I recently learned of the book "On Numbers ang Games" by John Conway while browsing Amazon and I was wondering if anyone had anything (good or bad) to say about it before I forked over the $40.
From the review and summary on Amazon, I''m hoping this book can give me a stronger mathematical basis for creating better position evaluations for games such as chess and othello. I don''t mind if the book doesn''t specifically cover how to do this, but I want something that might be a good basis for doing research in the area (I''m considering doing my Master''s thesis in this area of AI).
Additionally, any suggested readings in the area would be much appreciated.
540
February 24, 2002 05:30 PM
I skimmed through it today and it seemed pretty technical but hey, whatever floats your boat....
864
February 24, 2002 07:58 PM
On Numbers and Games is not a light read by any stretch of the imagination. John Conway - famous to most for his use of cellular automata in "Game of Life" - is also a brilliant mathematician. Anything he has written will be an excellent addition to your personal library, but be warned that his work is not something that most people can pick up, read and understand immediately.
Timkin
Timkin
February 25, 2002 12:51 PM
Conway is the programming keynote at the GD Conf. next month! 
Dave Mark
Intrinsic Algorithm Development
"Reducing the world to mathematical equations!"
Dave Mark
Intrinsic Algorithm Development
"Reducing the world to mathematical equations!"
Dave Mark - President and Lead Designer of Intrinsic Algorithm LLC
Professional consultant on game AI, mathematical modeling, simulation modeling
Co-founder and 10 year advisor of the GDC AI Summit
Author of the book, Behavioral Mathematics for Game AI
Blogs I write:
IA News - What's happening at IA | IA on AI - AI news and notes | Post-Play'em - Observations on AI of games I play
"Reducing the world to mathematical equations!"
864
February 25, 2002 11:00 PM
I urge anyone going to the GD conference then to stop and chat to JC if you get the chance. I met him about a year ago here at Monash when he came to visit. Great guy... really nice to talk to... and damn smart!
Cheers,
Timkin
Cheers,
Timkin
February 27, 2002 11:00 AM
(If they ever get the freakin'' schedule builder fixed... 
) I am hoping that I will be able to attend Conway''s Keynote. That should be interesting.
Timkin... we gotta figure out how to hook up at least for a ritualistic shaking of hands.
Dave Mark
Intrinsic Algorithm Development
"Reducing the world to mathematical equations!"
) I am hoping that I will be able to attend Conway''s Keynote. That should be interesting.Timkin... we gotta figure out how to hook up at least for a ritualistic shaking of hands.
Dave Mark
Intrinsic Algorithm Development
"Reducing the world to mathematical equations!"
Dave Mark - President and Lead Designer of Intrinsic Algorithm LLC
Professional consultant on game AI, mathematical modeling, simulation modeling
Co-founder and 10 year advisor of the GDC AI Summit
Author of the book, Behavioral Mathematics for Game AI
Blogs I write:
IA News - What's happening at IA | IA on AI - AI news and notes | Post-Play'em - Observations on AI of games I play
"Reducing the world to mathematical equations!"
864
February 27, 2002 09:58 PM
I would love to IFox, but I won''t be at the GDC this year. I am hoping to do a few conferences next year based on some upcoming AI publications... hopefully I''ll have time to stop by at next years GDC... of course, if I take a job offer in the US, that would almost guarantee me going next year.
Of course, if you, or anyone else is ever in Melbourne, Australia and wants to meet, I would be happy to do so.
Cheers,
Timkin
Of course, if you, or anyone else is ever in Melbourne, Australia and wants to meet, I would be happy to do so.
Cheers,
Timkin
276
February 27, 2002 10:28 PM
quote:
Original post by Timkin
On Numbers and Games is not a light read by any stretch of the imagination. John Conway - famous to most for his use of cellular automata in "Game of Life" - is also a brilliant mathematician. Anything he has written will be an excellent addition to your personal library, but be warned that his work is not something that most people can pick up, read and understand immediately.
Timkin
Just wanted to jump in here and say I''ve gotta agree with Timkin on this one....he''s a pretty technical writer and the book will almost certainly not be a "light read". But if it''s that level of detail you''re looking for so much the better, no doubt about it.
On another note: Timkin I''d totally forgotten that you live in Austrailia--I was just getting ready to ask you if you were going to the GDC this year! Saw your note later that said you weren''t though...bummer.
Ferretman
ferretman@gameai.com
www.gameai.com
From the High, Cold, Snowy Mountains of Colorado
Ferretman
ferretman@gameai.com
From the High Mountains of Colorado
GameAI.Com
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