Presents the story behind the self-learning artificial intelligence system with its stunning chess skills

A group biography of seven enduring and beloved games, and the story of why—and how—we play them. Checkers, backgammon, chess, and Go. Poker, Scrabble, and bridge. These seven games, ancient and modern, fascinate millions of people worldwide. In Seven Games, Oliver Roeder charts their origins and historical importance, the delightful arcana of their rules, and the ways their design makes them pleasurable. Roeder introduces thrilling competitors, such as evangelical minister Marion Tinsley, who across forty years lost only three games of checkers; Shusai, the Master, the last Go champion of imperial Japan, defending tradition against “modern rationalism”; and an IBM engineer who created a backgammon program so capable at self-learning that NASA used it on the space shuttle. He delves into the history and lore of each game: backgammon boards in ancient Egypt, the Indian origins of chess, how certain shells from a particular beach in Japan make the finest white Go stones. Beyond the cultural and personal stories, Roeder explores why games, seemingly trivial pastimes, speak so deeply to the human soul. He introduces an early philosopher of games, the aptly named Bernard Suits, and visits an Oxford cosmologist who has perfected a computer that can effectively play bridge, a game as complicated as human language itself. Throughout, Roeder tells the compelling story of how humans, pursuing scientific glory and competitive advantage, have invented AI programs better than any human player, and what that means for the games—and for us. Funny, fascinating, and profound, Seven Games is a story of obsession, psychology, history, and how play makes us human.

Business is a team sport. Learn how to win. Where would your career be if you could understand how your colleagues--especially men--succeed and win at work? And if, in understanding and applying the rules, you could win, too? In New Rules of the Game, business leader Susan Packard shows you how to cultivate gamesmanship--a strategic way of thinking regularly seen in the video game and sports worlds, and most often among men--that develops creativity, focus, optimism, teamwork, and competitiveness. You'll learn the Ten Rules of Gamesmenship and how to use them effectively to: · Compete outwardly in a healthy, rewarding way · Build support groups to help you advance · Step up with more grit to get the next win · Approach your workplace with more lightness and insight · Take loss in stride and provide the emotional distance needed to win at work Packard shares her career story with humor and candor, including the successes and the mistakes, the triumphs and some personal and career setbacks, and presents them as teachable moments for you. But the book is much bigger that one person’s experience. Packard also shares the stories of other presidents and CEOs who have become great gamers in their own fields, providing you with the insight and inspiration to play the business game smarter, stronger, and more successfully. You will also be better able to coach others, inspiring your team to perform at higher levels as you drive them toward the next win.

It's a BRAND New Game explores how football has changed from a 3pm Saturday afternoon match for all....into a multimedia extravaganza, complete with celebrity players endorsed by corporate giants, the ever growing digital influence and the importance of building clubs into leading global brands! After two years researching the project and right up until 3 weeks before print, Patterson uncovers some fascinating and revealing soccer insights. Rigorously supported by evidence, his findings are surprising - at times even shocking - to the modern fan. It's a BRAND New Game achieves a rare distinction: a sports book that transfers over into an interesting and enlightening business book, packed full of helpful ideas and relevant advice for any fan, player, executive or leader.

Spot and his friends are playing hide-and-seek. "One, two, three . . ." Spot counts, but when he opens his eyes, he can't find his friends anywhere. Where can they be?

Ever wish dating came with an instruction manual? Now it does. New Game + is the book that every geeky guy wishes he had. If you've been struggling with dating, then it's time to start again and get it right this time. Whether you're looking for that one special relationship, something more casual or simply want to get better at meeting incredible women, dating and relationship expert Harris O'Malley (AKA Dr. NerdLove) shows you the way, from the first "hello" to the knock out kiss. New Game + helps you break through the anxiety of meeting new amazing women, helps demystify the rules of relationships, teaches you what to say and when, and helps you generate the chemistry that makes you irresistible. No tricks. No cheesy gimmicks. No creepy manipulative tactics. New Game + is your guide to becoming the man you always wished you could be.