Book Description

Computer Games I is the first volume in a two-part compendium of papers covering the most important material available on the development of computer strategy games. These selections range from discussions of mathematical analysis of games, to more qualitative concerns of whether a computer game should follow human thought processes rather than a "brute force" approach, to papers which will benefit readers trying to program their own games.

Contributions include selections from the major players in the development of computer games: Claude Shannon, whose work still forms the foundation of most contemporary chess programs; Edward O. Thorpe, whose invention of the card counting methods caused Las Vegas casinos to change their blackjack rules; and Hans Berliner, whose work has been fundamental to the development of backgammon and chess games. Included in this volume:

• Backgammon
• Chess
• Checkers
• Scrabble

Computer Games II, the companion volume, covers the following games:

• Othello
• Go
• Go-Moku
• Bridge
• Dominoes
• Dama
• Poker
• Hearts
• Halma
• Qubic
• Push-Over
• Chemin-De-Fer

About the Author(s)

David Levy is one of the world's leading authorities on computer chess and is author of Chess and Computers, More Chess and Computers and the Chess Computer Handbook. He is an International Master of the World Chess Federation and President of the International Computer Chess Association. David Levy's earlier introduction to computer chess was well-received by reviewers.