Across the Board

The Mathematics of Chessboard Problems

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Mathematics, Recreations & Games, Applied, Science
Cover of the book Across the Board by John J. Watkins, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John J. Watkins ISBN: 9781400840922
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: September 19, 2011
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: John J. Watkins
ISBN: 9781400840922
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: September 19, 2011
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

Across the Board is the definitive work on chessboard problems. It is not simply about chess but the chessboard itself--that simple grid of squares so common to games around the world. And, more importantly, the fascinating mathematics behind it. From the Knight's Tour Problem and Queens Domination to their many variations, John Watkins surveys all the well-known problems in this surprisingly fertile area of recreational mathematics. Can a knight follow a path that covers every square once, ending on the starting square? How many queens are needed so that every square is targeted or occupied by one of the queens?

Each main topic is treated in depth from its historical conception through to its status today. Many beautiful solutions have emerged for basic chessboard problems since mathematicians first began working on them in earnest over three centuries ago, but such problems, including those involving polyominoes, have now been extended to three-dimensional chessboards and even chessboards on unusual surfaces such as toruses (the equivalent of playing chess on a doughnut) and cylinders. Using the highly visual language of graph theory, Watkins gently guides the reader to the forefront of current research in mathematics. By solving some of the many exercises sprinkled throughout, the reader can share fully in the excitement of discovery.

Showing that chess puzzles are the starting point for important mathematical ideas that have resonated for centuries, Across the Board will captivate students and instructors, mathematicians, chess enthusiasts, and puzzle devotees.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Across the Board is the definitive work on chessboard problems. It is not simply about chess but the chessboard itself--that simple grid of squares so common to games around the world. And, more importantly, the fascinating mathematics behind it. From the Knight's Tour Problem and Queens Domination to their many variations, John Watkins surveys all the well-known problems in this surprisingly fertile area of recreational mathematics. Can a knight follow a path that covers every square once, ending on the starting square? How many queens are needed so that every square is targeted or occupied by one of the queens?

Each main topic is treated in depth from its historical conception through to its status today. Many beautiful solutions have emerged for basic chessboard problems since mathematicians first began working on them in earnest over three centuries ago, but such problems, including those involving polyominoes, have now been extended to three-dimensional chessboards and even chessboards on unusual surfaces such as toruses (the equivalent of playing chess on a doughnut) and cylinders. Using the highly visual language of graph theory, Watkins gently guides the reader to the forefront of current research in mathematics. By solving some of the many exercises sprinkled throughout, the reader can share fully in the excitement of discovery.

Showing that chess puzzles are the starting point for important mathematical ideas that have resonated for centuries, Across the Board will captivate students and instructors, mathematicians, chess enthusiasts, and puzzle devotees.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book The Corruption Cure by John J. Watkins
Cover of the book Misdemeanorland by John J. Watkins
Cover of the book The Hoods by John J. Watkins
Cover of the book Worse Than a Monolith by John J. Watkins
Cover of the book The Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics by John J. Watkins
Cover of the book Political Bubbles by John J. Watkins
Cover of the book Confucianism as a World Religion by John J. Watkins
Cover of the book Why You Hear What You Hear by John J. Watkins
Cover of the book The Worst of Times by John J. Watkins
Cover of the book Collected Works of C.G. Jung, Volume 13 by John J. Watkins
Cover of the book On Elizabeth Bishop by John J. Watkins
Cover of the book The Beauty of Birds by John J. Watkins
Cover of the book A Defense of Hume on Miracles by John J. Watkins
Cover of the book The New Industrial State by John J. Watkins
Cover of the book American Zoo by John J. Watkins
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy