How to Win

“A thrilling tour of all the ways you can win with math. Art Benjamin is the perfect mathematical guide to the world of games.” 

—Matt Parker, author international bestseller of Humble Pi

“Art Benjamin is one-of-a-kind: master teacher, tuxedoed magician, hilarious entertainer, and top-notch mathematician to boot. He performs on the page like he does on the stage, always with his audience in mind. In games, puzzles, and bets, he finds delightful mathematics everywhere. And unlike in his magic act, here he reveals how the tricks work. Bravo!”

—Steven Strogatz, New York Times bestselling author of Infinite Powers

“The best players of your favorite games and puzzles have a secret: they're doing math. And as an award-winning teacher and world-ranked backgammon player, Art Benjamin is just the person to unlock it. In this joyful book, he shows how math sharpens your play, and play sharpens your math — turning every puzzle into a moment of wonder and every game into a glimpse of magic.”

—Francis Su, author of Mathematics for Human Flourishing

“Art Benjamin is so smart and clear-minded that he could talk me into anything. Thankfully, instead of pickpocketing my life savings, he has decided to teach me how to win games and solve puzzles. A winning book by a winning personality.”

—Ben Orlin, author of Math Games with Bad Drawings

“Arthur Benjamin is both a mathematician and a magician, and we see both skill sets on display in this fine book. The mathematics is found in the beautiful logic underlying many famous games and puzzles, while the magic is in presenting it all with such grace and lucidity. Novices and experts alike will find plenty of food for thought. Highly recommended!”

—Jason Rosenhouse, author of The Monty Hall Problem: The Remarkable Story of Math’s Most Contentious Brain Teaser