Behind Deep Blue: Building the Computer that Defeated the World Chess Champion

In 1997, a computer developed by a team of researchers at IBM shocked the world by defeating world chess champion Gary Kasparov in a six-game match. Hsu began developing Deep Blue, the first computer to achieve such a feat, as a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University. Here he focuses on the events in his career that led to his involvement with the project. He tells the story of how the basic technical ideas took shape in the computer science department and describes the further evolution and culmination of the project at IBM. Not merely a rehashing of the engineering that was poured into creating the "mother of all chess machines," Hsu's account goes beyond the typical man vs. machine angle and attempts to capture the true essence of the contest between men in two distinct roles: Kasparov as performer and Hsu's team as toolmaker. The result is an intelligent, well-written account of a milestone in the history of computer science that stands out from the other books on Deep Blue. Recommended for general readers attracted to the history of chess and computing.

Quake 4 Mods For Dummies

Create your own levels and game mods
Build single- and multi-player levels, add scripts, and share your mods
Ever wonder what Quake 4 would be like if it included that especially cool weapon you dreamed up? Here's the fun and easy way? to find out. Start by creating a basic level, and then discover how to include your own weapons and effects, change colors, add textures, and send your creations out into the world.
* Work with various modding tools, * Develop a map, * Alter user interfaces, * Paint and decorate your level, * Script advanced actions, * Distribute your creations online

Behind Deep Blue: Building the Computer that Defeated the World Chess Champion

In 1997, a computer developed by a team of researchers at IBM shocked the world by defeating world chess champion Gary Kasparov in a six-game match. Hsu began developing Deep Blue, the first computer to achieve such a feat, as a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University. Here he focuses on the events in his career that led to his involvement with the project. He tells the story of how the basic technical ideas took shape in the computer science department and describes the further evolution and culmination of the project at IBM. Not merely a rehashing of the engineering that was poured into creating the "mother of all chess machines," Hsu's account goes beyond the typical man vs. machine angle and attempts to capture the true essence of the contest between men in two distinct roles: Kasparov as performer and Hsu's team as toolmaker. The result is an intelligent, well-written account of a milestone in the history of computer science that stands out from the other books on Deep Blue. Recommended for general readers attracted to the history of chess and computing.

Starting Out: Sicilian Grand Prix Attack

Starting Out: Sicilian Grand Prix Attack is a further addition to Everyman’s best-selling Starting Out series, which has been acclaimed for its original approach to tackling chess openings. International Master Gawain Jones revisits the fundamentals of this opening, elaborating on the crucial early moves and ideas for both sides in a way that is often neglected in other texts.

Chess for you and me

Chess books (and, in particular perhaps, games collections) can be divided into two main classes – those that are the product of a genuine devotion of the author to the subject and those that are, in the main, made to order to meet a real or supposed topical demand. It is not intended to scorn or disparage unduly the second class; given a competent and conscientious author, an excellent book will probably be produced. Nonetheless, it is in the first category that the true masterpieces are likely to be found and it is high in this class that we must rate.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Signature Series Strategy Guide (Paperback)

Play "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" and win. Be prepared for anything with this guide. "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Signature Series Strategy Guide" features a complete step-by-step walkthrough of each single-player mission in the game. You can find detailed maps which call out intel locations, alternate routes, flanking manoeuvres and more. There's in-depth multiplayer coverage including custom maps showing vital locations in each mode of gameplay, as well as expert tactics for each team-based game. You'll find information on every feature, special weapon, camouflage, challenge and achievement. Plus, a bonus foldout and more! This title covers PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

Mathematical Go: Chilling Gets the Last Point

Develops the mathematical techniques for solving late-stage endgame problems in the game Go. As a typical game of Go approaches its conclusion, the active areas of play become independent of one another and the overall board position may be regarded as a sum of disconnected partial board positions. The authors apply combinatorial game theory to solving Go-related problems with a bewildering choice of similar-looking moves and subtle priority relationships. The theory in this book assigns each active area on the board an abstract value and then shows how to compare them to select the optimum move or add them up to determine the ideal outcome. Some of the values are familiar numbers or fractions, but most are bizarre objects not seen before in Go literature. From these abstractions, the reader learns that positions seeming to have the same numerical value can be crucially different, while positions that appear completely different can be mathematically identical.

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Paths of the Damned: Ashes of Middenheim

The first instalment of the Epic campaign trilogy! Set in the wake of the Storm of Chaos, this first part of the Empire spanning 'Paths of the Damned' trilogy will challenge the party to the very limit. Written by WFRP veteran Graeme Davis, this dark and twisted plot takes place in the semi-ruined City of Middenheim, and will place the players upon a path they cannot ignore! WFRP has a rich heritage when to comes to campaigns - The Enemy Within won awards for its atmosphere and depth. 'Paths of the Damned' is set to continue the tradition with its awesome blend of plot, texture, maps, artwork and background information. Complete details for the setting of Middenheim are included, together with seed plots for continued use after the campaign is through. Players and GM's alike will love this demanding adventure.

About the Author
BL Publishing is the publishing wing of the world famous Games Workshop group of companies. As well as its new Black Industries imprint, the division is also home to the Black Library, which has been producing best-selling and award-winning novels, comics and artbooks set in the worlds of Warhammer since 1997. It also includes the Black Flame fiction imprint for non-Warhammer titles, and Warhammer Historical Wargames.

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The grand tactics of chess

In this volume is presented a complete system of chess-play. This system is deduced from the play of the greater Masters; and those processes by which they gained their renown are herein formulated and put into language for the first time. The principles which govern these processes are simple and clearly stated. These comprehend every situation possible on the chess-board.

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The Age of the Crusades

The great frontier between the settled kingdoms of the West and the burbarian raiders of the East was already well established by the early Middle Ayes. It ran from the north around Scandinavia, down through Eastern Europe, around the Byzantine Empire into the Mediterranean. It was enhanced by the advent of two great world religions.

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Paul Morphy: A Modern Perspective

In 1857, a soft-spoken genius from New Orleans burst upon the chess scene. Paul Morphy dazzled the chess world with breathtaking combinations that seemed to arise from thin air. In his brief chess career, he was universally recognized as the best in the world. International grandmaster Valeri Beim takes a close look at the play of the mid-19th century champion, putting his games under a modern, 21st-century analytical microscope. The result is a fresh and instructive look at the strategy and tactics of the American legend, and their relevance to the modern approach to the royal game.

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Paul Morphy: A Modern Perspective

In 1857, a soft-spoken genius from New Orleans burst upon the chess scene. Paul Morphy dazzled the chess world with breathtaking combinations that seemed to arise from thin air. In his brief chess career, he was universally recognized as the best in the world. International grandmaster Valeri Beim takes a close look at the play of the mid-19th century champion, putting his games under a modern, 21st-century analytical microscope. The result is a fresh and instructive look at the strategy and tactics of the American legend, and their relevance to the modern approach to the royal game.

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My System: 21st Century Edition

My System, is a book on chess theory written by Aron Nimzowitsch. The book — one of the early works on hypermodernism — introduced many new concepts to followers of the modern school of thought.
Contents:
The book is divided into three parts: The Elements, Position Play, and Illustrative Games.
In The Elements, Nimzowitsch writes about the basics of his "system". He covers topics such as piece development, play in the center, control of the 7th and 8th ranks, the development of passed pawns, etc.
The next part, Position Play, is based largely on the "elements" taught in the first part. In it, Nimzowitsch tells how to play for a positional advantage. In particular, he argues that the center can be effectively controlled using pieces instead of pawns. This concept, now widely accepted, is one of the fundamental principles of hypermodernism.
Illustrative Games contains annotated versions of fifty of Nimzowitsch's career games, which he refers to throughout the text.

Games of Strategy: Theory and Applications

This classic work, originally published in 1961, was written by Melvin Dresher, a RAND research mathematician, during the heyday of game theory research at RAND. The book introduces readers to the basic concepts of game theory and its applications for military, economic, and political problems, as well as its usefulness in decisionmaking in business, operations research, and behavioral science. This is a reprint of the original 1961 edition. Classic work from 1961 discusses basic concepts of game theory and its applications for military, economic, and political problems, as well as its usefulness in decisionmaking in business, operations research, and behavioral science.

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You Can Do the Cube (Puffin Books)

Can you do it? Or has Rubik's baffling cube defeated you too? No matter how much you fiddle and twiddle at random with the cube, you will never be able to return it to its original state. There are over 43 billion possible ways of arranging the pieces of Rubik's cube, so you need to have a method to get it back the way it began. Thirteen-year-old Patrick Bossert has worked out this foolproof method of solving Rubik's cube. He takes you carefully through all the possible stages, with easy-to-follow instructions covering all the problems you might be faced with. It may take you longer than the minute-and-a-half it takes Patrick Bossert to solve the cube, but solve it you can, again and again.
Once you have solved your cube, try some of the fascinating patterns you can make with it, or use the detailed maintenance instructions to dismantle and improve the action of your cube. Amaze your friends, astound your family with this infallible method of solving Rubik's cube. For .adults and children - brainless or brilliant - whoever you are.

First and Only (Warhammer 40,000: Gaunt's Ghosts)

In the War-torn future of the 41st millennium, the Sabbat Worlds Crusade has begun. With the massed ranks of the Imperial Guard hard-pressed by the evil forces of Chaos, mankind must prevail - whatever the cost in lives. Commisar Ibram Gaunt has vowed to lead the men of the Tanith First-and-Only safely through this campaign, but they must evade the treacherous scheming of rival regiments just as much as the lethal firepower of the enemy.

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Warhammer 40,000 - Shadow Point

Science fiction novel set in Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000 universe. Sequel to Execution Hour.

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The Ins and Outs of Peg Solitaire (Recreations in Mathematics)

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.

Rubik's Cubic Compendium (Recreations in Mathematics)

Millions of people were -- and still are -- simultaneously bewildered, frustrated, and amazed by the problems posed by Rubik's cube. Co-written by the cube's inventor, this book serves as a comprehensive guide to the cube for both the puzzler and the mathematician. The book reveals the wealth of fascinating mathematics concealed within the cube's apparently simple operation, and even those who have solved the cube will discover a vast number of new ideas and possibilities.

The Mathematics of Games (Recreations in Mathematics 5)

This entertaining, wide-ranging guide demonsrates how simple mathematical analysis can throw unexpected light on games of every kind. John Beasley outlines the general principes behind such classic puzzles as peg solitaire, the Rubik's cube, and examples of how the study of even simple games can reveal some of the fundamental paradixes of mathematics.

Legacy (Shira Calpurnia)

With the death of Rogue Trader Hoyyon Phrax, his trading Charter is destined to be bequeathed to his son, and Shira Calpurnia is appointed to insure that Hoyyon Phrax's legacy is carried out, despite the enemies and rival heirs in her path. Original.

Bob Proctor - The Success Puzzle

In The Success Puzzle, Bob Proctor provides that step-by-step guide so that you can create the masterpiece of your life.
Stop for a minute and ask yourself this: Are you really building the picture you've always wanted for your life? If you're not building the picture you want, you're working on the wrong puzzle... and this is where Bob Proctor begins in this program, The Success Puzzle.
This easy-to-follow audio program helps you first decide on what it is you want your life to look like. Then, through a fun goal-setting exercise, Bob Proctor helps you prioritize the primary action steps you'll be taking to build this life of your dreams (the frame of the puzzle, so to speak).
Once the framework is in place, you'll learn:
* Where your habits came from and how to change them.
* How to work with the laws of the Universe to achieve your goals in the easiest way possible.
* How to draw upon the infinite supply.
* How to eliminate all obstacles blocking your path.
* A four-step process to make effective decisions! (This is not in any other Proctor program).
* How to work on the various sections of your life in orderly yet fast-paced motion.
* The importance of commitment to success.
* A better way to deal with restraints, delays and negative consciousness that seek to slow your masterpiece-building pace.
* How to build in greater color, enthusiasm and passion in all facets of your life.
As you build this primary puzzle, you'll assimilate the simple lessons and steps it takes to build on new projects and ambitions throughout your life. You'll solve the Success Puzzle for your initial masterpiece, and for every masterpiece project and direction you take from then on.

The Sims 3 : World Adventure Official Game Guide

The Sims 3: World Adventures is the very first expansion pack for the blockbusters Sims 3 – and the very first time Sims has ever left their towns to travel the world. See the pyramids of Egypt! The mystical temples of China! The grand chateaus of France! Our guide helps you get the most out of travels by showing you all the sights, how to master the new skills, and full-color maps of dangerous underground tombs. We include a Sims 3 Primer right off the bat to catch new players up with not just the basics of the game, but also expert tips and tricks for maximizing skills and earning great career promotions. The World Travel and New Simology chapters detail what’s new in World Adventures, from the new quest-like adventures you take while traveling to the brand-new skills learned while visiting foreign lands. Before going into each destination, Tombs 101 teaches players the essentials of surviving the underworld mazes they must explore on their adventures if they want to collect cool relics. Tour guides for Egypt, France, and China detail everything you need to know for getting around at that destination, such as shop inventories and the location of important sites. Each tour also offers maps of every tomb and a full list of all adventures so you know what’s in store for your Sims. Sims love to collect stuff, and so our new Object List shows off all of the new decorations, furniture, and appliances you can place in your Sims’ houses – including their vacation houses they can buy in Egypt, France, and China!

Twilight: 2000. Small Arms Guide

This book was writen for the Twilight:2000 series of games, but is useful as a quick reference for small arm enthusiast. Unfortunetly the illistrations are simple line and ink drawings and some times inacurate. Some information has also beem simplified for game porposes, or is simply wrong. On the other hand the book contains some good imformation on the histories and developments of some weapons. All in all a great book for game players and a good quick reference book.
This book contains a consolidated listing of every personal firearm in the basic game, as well as additional material of interest to both players and referees. In response to player requests, the single entry for the generic pistols (such as the 9mmP Auto) of the basic rules has now been expanded to include every major handgun type in use by the year 2000 and encompasses the full sweep of technological change, ranging from the German Luger and 'Broomhandle' Mauser pistols of the early 1900s to the advanced materials and technology of the Austrian Glock 17. Also described are weapons not yet in service or just entering service (such as the Ruger P85), and hypothetical extensions of current firearms technology. Increased coverage of both military and civilian rifles is also presented in the Small Arms Guide. Submachinegun coverage now includes all major types, from the Tommygun of the 1920s to the most modern suppressed designs, such as the H&K MP5 and Ingram MAC-10. Each weapon entry contains an illustration of that particular firearm, a few short descriptive remarks, and full details for the incorporation of the weapon into the game. The Small Arms Guide expands the ammunition covered in Twilight: 2000, including the ever-popular .357 and .44 magnum rounds. The guide also includes a consolidated price and equipment listing for all weapon and ammunition types covered in Twilight: 2000. Special essays in the Small Arms Guide cover topics such as reproduction black-powder firearms and the special low-tech auto-rifle, the M16EZ.

Videogames and Art (Intellect) by Andy Clarke

From Madden NFL 2007 to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, videogames are firmly enmeshed in modern culture. Acknowledging the increasing cultural impact of this rapidly changing industry, Videogames and Art is one of the first books devoted to the study of videogame art, featuring in-depth essays that offer an unparalleled overview of the field.
The distinguished contributors range broadly over this vast intellectual terrain, positioning videogame art as a crucial interdisciplinary mix of digital technologies and the traditions of pictorial art. They examine machinima and game console artwork, politically oriented videogame art, and the production of digital art; they also interview prominent videogame artists about their work. Rounding out Videogames and Art is a critique of the commercial videogame industry comprising several critical essays on the current quality and originality of videogames.
An essential volume for our digital age, Videogames and Art will be a fascinating read for players, fans, skeptics, and scholars alike.

Infantry Weapons of the World (Twilight: 2000, 2nd edition)

This book was writen for the Twilight: 2000 series of games, but is useful as a quick reference for weapons enthusiast. "Infantry Weapons of the World" covers over 220 pistols, rifles, submachineguns, machineguns, and shotguns, each illustrated in full detail, and each fully rated for use with Twilight: 2000. This handbook includes all major military weapons in service with the world's armies in the year 2000, plus older weapons from past conflicts: WWII, WWI, and even some weapons of the colonial wars of the last century! Weapons covered in this book include the Automag .44, Colt Detectives Special, HK4, Mauser M1896, P-08 Luger (three varieties), Remington XP-100, Welrod .32, M-45 Carl Gustav, M3A1, Madson M50, S&W M76, VP-70, AR-7 Explorer, BM-59, H&H .600 Nitro Double Express Elephant Gun, .45 Martini-Henry, Stoner 63 series (Carbine, rifle, LMG, and HMG), H&K CAW, SPAS-15, and hundreds more.

Test Your IQ: 400 Questions to Boost Your Brainpower

Test Your IQ contains IQ test questions written and compiled by IQ-test experts, complete with a guide to assessing individual performance. Working through the questions can help anyone develop powers of calculation and logical reasoning.

By studying the different types of test, and recognizing the different types of question, readers can improve their test scores and increase their IQ rating. Test Your IQ is helpful those who have to take an IQ test, and it's also great fun for anyone who likes to stretch their mind for their own entertainment.