Coming soon · Book Profile
Luck, Logic, and White Lies The Mathematics of Games, Second Edition
An exploration of the mathematics behind games, classifying them into games of chance, combinatorial games, and strategic games, and providing tools from probability theory, combinatorics, and game theory to analyze and optimize play.
A profile of this book is on the way.
What it’s about
Luck, Logic, and White Lies delves into the fascinating world of games, revealing the mathematical principles that govern everything from a roll of the dice to a strategic bluff in poker. Author Jörg Bewersdorff classifies games into three fundamental types—games of chance, combinatorial games, and strategic games—and unpacks the core mechanisms of uncertainty that make them compelling: randomness, combinatorial complexity, and imperfect information. Through accessible explanations and historical anecdotes, the book equips readers with tools from probability theory, combinatorics, and game theory to analyze odds, identify optimal moves, and understand the limits of skill and luck. Whether you're a casual player looking to improve your game or simply curious about the mathematics of decision-making, this book offers a scholarly yet entertaining journey into the logic behind the games we play.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- An intelligent and curious individual who enjoys playing games, from casual parlor games to more serious strategic contests like chess or poker, and wants to move beyond simple intuition and luck to understand the underlying logic of games and improve their chances of winning.
- The problem
- The reader consistently loses games, or wins inconsistently, without understanding why. They struggle to evaluate odds, choose the best moves, or know when to take risks. This makes them feel frustrated, confused, and intellectually outmatched. They may feel like success in games is just a matter of 'getting lucky' or having an innate talent they lack.
- The plan
- Master the fundamentals of chance by learning probability theory to analyze dice, cards, and lotteries (Part I).
- Learn to navigate combinatorial complexity by exploring the logic of games like Nim and Chess (Part II).
- Understand strategic decision-making under uncertainty by studying game theory and its application to games like Poker (Part III).
- Synthesize these concepts to systematically evaluate the balance of skill and luck in any game (Part IV).
- The payoff
- The reader will gain a profound understanding of why games work the way they do. · They will be able to analyze new games, make more informed decisions, play more strategically, and ultimately improve their winning record. · They will transform from a player relying on luck to one who commands logic.
See our guide
Additional reading
- Start with Why · Simon Sinek
The book's core idea—'People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it'—is central to crafting a compelling crowdfunding narrative that connects with backers on an emotional level.
- To Sell Is Human · Daniel Pink
Provides insights into the psychology of pitching and influence, such as the importance of making the audience (backers) feel like collaborators, which is a key strategy for engagement.
- Funding the Dream Podcast · Richard Bliss
A recommended resource for creators, offering interviews and specific insights into crowdfunding tactics and strategies.
- jamesmathe.com (blog) · James Mathe
A creator's blog recommended by the author for its detailed, list-based entries full of practical information for crowdfunders.
- Ready Player One · Ernest Cline
Recommended as an enjoyable alternative read for those who decide crowdfunding isn't for them, showing the author's engagement with geek culture.
- Homo Ludens · Johan Huizinga
Referenced for its foundational concept of the 'magic circle,' which defines play as a separate, protected space outside of ordinary life. This contextualizes the author's own theory.
- Man, Play and Games · Roger Caillois
Cited for its academic definition and categorization of games, providing a counterpoint to the more practical definitions offered by game designers.
- Rules of Play · Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman
Mentioned as a key contemporary text offering a precise, systemic definition of a game, which the author uses as part of his survey of existing definitions.
- Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience · Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
The concept of 'flow' is discussed as a state of deep immersion that is often associated with fun, but the author distinguishes his theory by focusing on learning rather than mastery.
- The Essential Difference · Simon Baron-Cohen
The theory of 'systematizing' versus 'empathizing' brains is used to explain why different types of games may appeal to different people, particularly along gender lines.