A seminal and groundbreaking study that will of be particular interest to gamers wanting an introduction to the mathematics behind their gaming pastime pursuits, "Mathematics of Tabletop Games" by mathematician and educator Aaron Montgomery is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, and college/university library Recreational Mathematics collections.
Midwest Book Review
This book undoubtedly fits into recreational mathematics, as it combines gaming with topics such as combinatorics, graph theory, group theory, logic, probability, and number theory. The mathematics presented is straightforward and accessible to undergraduates. Besides learning about games that have a mathematical flair, I found the main draw of the book to be that it offers unique examples to use in courses that cover any of the aforementioned topics. A motivated undergraduate could use this for an independent study or even spark a project exploring the mathematics behind their favorite games.
Notices of the American Mathematical Society
Dont be intimidated: the book is surprisingly accessible. Aaron Montgomery guides the reader with clarity, starting from the basics and never taking anything for granted, nor requiring prior knowledge. The game chosen as an example in each case is introduced just enough to follow the references, and every mathematical concept is explained patiently, step by step. Credit also goes to smart editorial choices: short paragraphs, summary diagrams, and tables that condense key points, making the reading pleasant and straightforward.
Volpe Giocosa, boardgamegeek.com
