Strategies and Games: Theory and Practice

Rating:
Summary: A great book for those interested in Game Theory
Review: This is a great book for getting a good start in game theory. The proofs are laid out very clearly, which makes the whole book much easier to follow. Many of the more difficult topics are explained through examples which makes the subjects more interesting, easier to follow, and better for later application on your own. I have gone through quite a number of game theory texts in the last few years and this one is by far the best I have seen for someone just starting out. I recommend this text highly for advanced undergrads and grad students who are just getting going in these topics. The dynamic game section was especially nicely done!

Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended
Review: This is definitely a very good introduction book. It is very accessible, while at the same time formalized enough to make it a good reference book.

It explains the results derived in a very intuitive manner, which I like a lot about this book. There is a straightforward, intuitive explanation provided for (almost) every result. The main points of every chapter are also outlined very nicely, the book has a great structure.

Another good thing is that the author quite often states straightforward questions right after claiming some result, like "..which leads us to ask...", or "...this begs the question of..." This is nice because it helps you keep track of what it is we are actually looking for or the general direction of the whole chapter.

The chapters are small, which I think is good because it allows the reader to get a sense of accomplishment rather often, great for motivation.

Unfortunately, there are no answers provided to the questions. If you are not bothered by that, then no problem. But I don't have that kind of dicipline, and I suspect most people don't, which is mostly why I took off one star. But on the other hand, I guess most other game theory texts don't provide answers either, so maybe I shouldn't hold it too much against it. All in all, it's a terrific book and game theory such a wonderful subject, so I can't but recommend it.