For mathematical game enthusiasts, the 33-hole Peg Solitarie board presents many intriguing and difficult problems, far more fascinating than the simple problmes set out in manufacturers' instructions, and behind these problems lies interesting mathematical theory. Beasley, an internationally known expert on Peg Solitaire, surveys the history of the game, shows how to play it simply and well, explains the theory behind it, and offers over 200 problems and their solutions in over 550 diagramms. Mathematical game fans aged twelve and over will find hours of enjoyment in this book.
John Beasley is a freelance computing expert who has studied Peg Solitaire since 1960 and made many original discoveries about the game. He has also composed and published over 50 chess problems and endgame studies, and represented Great Britain in two World Chess Solving Championships in 1977 and 1978.
Summary: For Peg Solitaire Gurus
Rating: 5
This is the definitive reference for Peg Solitare, including the history of the game and mathematical theory. For players who have been stumped by the game, a few minutes spent on Chapter 2 will make the game seem much easier, kind of like learning specific techniques for solving Rubick's Cube.
Later chapters go into the theory of the game quite deeply. However, no advanced mathematics is needed and most of the book is accessible to anyone who has taken a high school algebra course. However this does not imply the theory is simple, Conway's balance sheets can be quite difficult to understand. Remarkably, the computer was not used to produce any of the results in this book. The author is clearly very meticulous as I have spotted only one or two typographical errors in the entire book; quite remarkable considering the hundreds of diagrams of board solutions and pages covered with move sequences.
Perhaps the only drawback to the book is its singular focus on Peg Solitaire, and this is hardly the fault of the author. This game seems to lack the sexiness of more modern board games and recreational math puzzles. Although many game enthusiasts have played it at some point in their lives, few have mastered it. It would seem few people have the interest in the subject to buy this book, as I don't think there are any plans to republish it.
John Beasley is a freelance computing expert who has studied Peg Solitaire since 1960 and made many original discoveries about the game. He has also composed and published over 50 chess problems and endgame studies, and represented Great Britain in two World Chess Solving Championships in 1977 and 1978.
Summary: For Peg Solitaire Gurus
Rating: 5
This is the definitive reference for Peg Solitare, including the history of the game and mathematical theory. For players who have been stumped by the game, a few minutes spent on Chapter 2 will make the game seem much easier, kind of like learning specific techniques for solving Rubick's Cube.
Later chapters go into the theory of the game quite deeply. However, no advanced mathematics is needed and most of the book is accessible to anyone who has taken a high school algebra course. However this does not imply the theory is simple, Conway's balance sheets can be quite difficult to understand. Remarkably, the computer was not used to produce any of the results in this book. The author is clearly very meticulous as I have spotted only one or two typographical errors in the entire book; quite remarkable considering the hundreds of diagrams of board solutions and pages covered with move sequences.
Perhaps the only drawback to the book is its singular focus on Peg Solitaire, and this is hardly the fault of the author. This game seems to lack the sexiness of more modern board games and recreational math puzzles. Although many game enthusiasts have played it at some point in their lives, few have mastered it. It would seem few people have the interest in the subject to buy this book, as I don't think there are any plans to republish it.
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