This 2003 book provides an analysis of combinatorial games - games not involving chance or hidden information. It contains a fascinating collection of articles by some well-known names in the field, such as Elwyn Berlekamp and John Conway, plus other researchers in mathematics and computer science, together with some top game players. The articles run the gamut from theoretical approaches (infinite games, generalizations of game values, 2-player cellular automata, Alpha-Beta pruning under partial orders) to other games (Amazons, Chomp, Dot-and-Boxes, Go, Chess, Hex). Many of these advances reflect the interplay of the computer science and the mathematics. The book ends with a bibliography by A. Fraenkel and a list of combinatorial game theory problems by R. K. Guy. Like its predecessor, Games of No Chance, this should be on the shelf of all serious combinatorial games enthusiasts.

"Combinatorial games provide the teacher with a creative means to allow students to explore mathematical ideas and develop problem-solving skills. While the rules are simple, there are rich mathematical theories underlying these games. Students are puzzled at first, and seem to make random moves. By encouraging them to start with simple games with a small number of pieces and then gradually increase the complexity, students are able to formulate and test their own theories for strategic solutions."
S. Wali Abdi, School Science and Mathematics