How to Win Every Game, with Marcus du Sautoy, Part One

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Jan 1, 2025

Marcus du Sautoy, an award-winning mathematician and Professor of Mathematics at Oxford, delves into the fascinating world of games and their mathematical underpinnings. He explains the best strategies for games like Connect 4 and Monopoly, linking them to mathematical concepts. Du Sautoy shares insights into the cultural history of games and their role in society, along with a philosophical exploration of play’s purpose. From ancient origins to the evolution of games, he reveals how mathematics enriches our gaming experiences.

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ANECDOTE

Du Sautoy's Game Passion

Marcus du Sautoy's passion for games started with collecting them during his travels.
He initially wanted to work in the Foreign Office but found his true calling in mathematics.

ANECDOTE

80 Games Inspiration

Du Sautoy decided to write "Around the World in 80 Games" after realizing his game collection contained exactly 80 games.
The book follows a narrative journey inspired by Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days."

INSIGHT

Games and Math Origins

The Middle East is a fitting starting point for the book, as it is where early mathematics and games originated.
Games and mathematics share a close connection, evident in ancient civilizations.

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The Number Mysteries

A mathmatical odyssey through everyday life

Marcus du Sautoy

In this book, Marcus du Sautoy delves into the world of numbers, highlighting how mathematical inventions underpin modern technologies such as music downloads, air travel, and cell phone communications. The book is divided into five chapters, each focusing on a different mathematical puzzle, including prime numbers, coding, and predicting the future. Du Sautoy discusses the Clay Institute challenges, offering a million-dollar prize for solving some of these mathematical enigmas. The book is designed to engage both mathematical novices and experts, with games, puzzles, and real-world examples.

The music of the primes

Searching to Solve the Greatest Mystery in Mathematics

Marcus du Sautoy

In 'The Music of the Primes', Marcus du Sautoy recounts the history of prime numbers, focusing on the Riemann Hypothesis, which has been a central problem in mathematics for over 150 years. The book tells the story of eccentric and brilliant mathematicians who have contributed to the understanding of prime numbers, and it highlights the significance of the Riemann Hypothesis in areas such as banking and e-commerce security, quantum mechanics, and chaos theory. Du Sautoy combines in-depth mathematical knowledge with narrative flair, making the book accessible to a broad audience.

Round the World in 80 Games

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Marcus du Sautoy

Around the World in 80 Days

Nik Marcel

Jules Verne

George Towle

Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days" follows the adventurous journey of Phileas Fogg, an English gentleman, who wagers he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. Accompanied by his French valet, Passepartout, Fogg embarks on a thrilling race against time, encountering various challenges and exciting adventures along the way. The novel explores themes of adventure, determination, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Verne's detailed descriptions of different cultures and landscapes add to the story's immersive quality. The novel's enduring popularity stems from its captivating plot and timeless themes.