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Introduction to game theory. (English) Zbl 0823.90143

Berlin: Springer-Verlag. xvi, 230 p. DM 49.00; öS 382.20; sFr 49.00/pbk (1994).
This book should immediately take its place along with a small number of others as an excellent comprehensive textbook on game theory for beginners. Although the book is mathematically rigorous, its demands upon the student are modest, and it could well be used for a sophomore or junior course in mathematics. Games studied have only a finite number of players, and the sets of pure strategies are always finite. Each concept is clearly explained and illustrated as it is introduced, and followed by well designed exercises to help the reader solidify understanding of the concept. The chapter headings are: Games in extensive form, Two-person zero-sum games, Linear programming, Solving matrix games, Non-zero-sum games, N-person cooperative games, Game-playing programs. These seven chapters are divided into 26 sections, some of which are further divided into subsections. Each section has a set of exercises, ranging from routine calculations or enumerations to some calling for proofs. The writing is excellent throughout, and notations are well-chosen and not overly complicated.

MSC:

91A05 2-person games
90-01 Introductory exposition (textbooks, tutorial papers, etc.) pertaining to operations research and mathematical programming
90C05 Linear programming
91A06 \(n\)-person games, \(n>2\)
91A12 Cooperative games