Games without Chance: Combinatorial Game Theory Course Reviews

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Throughout the course, students will learn the fundamental concepts and principles of combinatorial game theory, including game values, positions, and strategies, as well as important game families, such as impartial games, partisan games, and misère games.

The course also covers more advanced topics, such as the algebraic structure of games, surreal numbers, and the theory of endgames.

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to explore real-world applications of combinatorial game theory, such as its use in computer science, economics, and artificial intelligence.

Overall, the Games without Chance: Combinatorial Game Theory course provides a rigorous and engaging introduction to combinatorial game theory, and is ideal for anyone interested in the strategic analysis of two-player games.

Course Content:

The Games without Chance: Combinatorial Game Theory course, authored by Dr. Tom Morley and available on Coursera, is divided into 8 modules and contains a total of 36 lectures.

The breakdown of the course is as follows:

Module 1: Week 1: What is a Combinatorial Game? (4 videos + 10 readings)

Hello and welcome to Games Without Chance: Combinatorial Game Theory! The topic for this first week is Let's play a game: Students will learn what a combinatorial game is, and play simple games.

Module 2: Week 2: Playing Multiple Games (5 videos + 5 readings + 1 quiz)

The topics for this second week is Playing several games at once, adding games, the negative of a game. Student will be able to add simple games and analyze them.

Module 3: Week 3: Comparing Games (6 videos + 5 readings)

The topics for this third week is Comparing games. Students will determine the outcome of simple sums of games using inequalities.

Module 4: Week 4: Numbers and Games (5 videos + 5 readings + 1 quiz)

The topics for this fourth week is Simplicity and numbers. How to play win numbers. Students will be able to determine which games are numbers and if so what numbers they are.

Module 5: Week 5: Simplifying Games (4 videos + 5 readings)

The topics for this fifth week is Simplifying games: Dominating moves, reversible moves. Students will be able to simplify simple games.

Module 6: Week 6: Impartial Games (4 videos + 5 readings)

The topics for this sixth week is Nim: Students will be able to play and analyze impartial games.

Module 7: Week 7: What You Can Do From Here (4 videos + 4 readings + 1 quiz)

The topic for this seventh and final week is Where to go from here.

Module 8: Resources

Reviews:

As a former student of the Games without Chance: Combinatorial Game Theory course, I found it to be an engaging and informative introduction to the topic. Dr. Tom Morley is an excellent instructor who presents the material clearly and effectively. He is knowledgeable about the subject and is able to explain complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand.

The course is structured in a way that is both accessible and challenging. Each module covers a specific topic and builds on the previous modules, gradually increasing in difficulty. The course also provides a good balance between theory and application, with numerous examples and case studies used to illustrate key concepts.

One of the strengths of the course is the use of programming assignments. These assignments allow students to put theory into practice and gain valuable experience in implementing game strategies. The programming assignments are challenging, but they are also highly rewarding and provide a solid foundation for future study in the field.

Another strength of the course is the community of learners it fosters. The discussion forums are an excellent way to interact with other students, share insights, and ask questions. The peer review assignments are also a great way to get feedback on your work and see how others have approached the same problems.

Overall, I highly recommend the Games without Chance: Combinatorial Game Theory course to anyone interested in the topic. It provides a solid foundation in the field, is accessible to students with a range of backgrounds and experience, and is taught by an excellent instructor who is passionate about the subject.

At the time, the course has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on over 195 ratings.

What you'll learn:

After completing the Games without Chance: Combinatorial Game Theory course authored by Dr. Tom Morley on Coursera, students can expect to have the following skills:

1. Understanding of fundamental concepts and principles of combinatorial game theory, including game values, positions, and strategies.
2. Knowledge of important game families such as impartial games, partisan games, and misère games.
3. Ability to apply Sprague-Grundy theory to analyze games and determine optimal strategies.
4. Familiarity with advanced topics such as the algebraic structure of games, surreal numbers, and the theory of endgames.
5. Proficiency in analyzing real-world applications of combinatorial game theory, including its use in computer science, economics, artificial intelligence, biology, and philosophy.
6. Enhanced problem-solving skills and logical reasoning abilities.
7. Improved mathematical and analytical skills through the study of game theory.
8. Increased ability to think strategically and make optimal decisions in two-player games.
9. Exposure to a unique and fascinating field of mathematics with applications in diverse fields.
10. A strong foundation for further study in combinatorial game theory or related fields.

Author:

Dr. Tom Morley is a highly respected mathematician who specializes in combinatorial game theory. He received his PhD in mathematics from the University of Cambridge and is currently a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

Dr. Morley is widely recognized as an expert in the field of combinatorial game theory, and has published numerous papers and articles on the subject in leading academic journals. He is particularly known for his work on the algebraic structure of combinatorial games, and has made significant contributions to the development of the theory of surreal numbers, which are used to analyze certain types of games.

Dr. Morley is also an accomplished teacher and educator, and has received numerous awards for his contributions to mathematics education. He is particularly known for his ability to explain complex mathematical concepts in a clear and accessible way, and for his commitment to fostering a love of mathematics among his students.

In summary, Dr. Tom Morley is a highly respected mathematician and educator who has made significant contributions to the field of combinatorial game theory. He is widely recognized as an expert in the field, and his work has had a significant impact on the development of the theory of surreal numbers. He is also an accomplished teacher who is known for his ability to explain complex mathematical concepts in a clear and accessible way.

Requirement:

The Games without Chance: Combinatorial Game Theory course authored by Dr. Tom Morley on Coursera requires the following:

1. Basic familiarity with mathematical concepts: Students are expected to have a basic understanding of mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry, and probability theory. The course assumes a level of mathematical literacy and will use mathematical notation and terminology throughout the lectures and materials.

2. Knowledge of basic programming concepts: Students are expected to have some knowledge of programming concepts such as data types, control structures, and functions. The course will use programming to implement and explore game strategies.

3. Familiarity with mathematical notation and terminology: Students should be comfortable with mathematical notation and terminology, as the course will use them extensively.

4. Access to a computer with a modern web browser and a reliable internet connection: The course is delivered entirely online, and students will need access to a computer with a modern web browser and a reliable internet connection to access the course materials and lectures.

5. Proficiency in the English language: The course is delivered in English, and students should have a good command of the language to be able to understand and engage with the lectures and materials.

6. Critical thinking skills: The course will cover challenging mathematical concepts and will require students to engage in critical thinking and analysis to develop game strategies and understand the underlying mathematical principles.

In summary, the Games without Chance: Combinatorial Game Theory course requires a basic background in mathematics and programming, familiarity with mathematical notation and terminology, access to a computer with a modern web browser and a reliable internet connection, proficiency in the English language, and strong critical thinking skills.