What's Luck Got to Do with It?: The History, Mathematics, and Psychology Behind the Gambler's Illusion

"This is a fascinating book. It's a fresh, funny, philosophical look at gambling by a mathematician who knows what he's talking about, and who has quite obviously thought about gambling for a long time. Mazur isn't afraid to make provocative, opinionated statements. I have not seen a gambling book like this before. I think it will attract a lot of readers."--Paul J. Nahin, author of "An Imaginary Tale"

"This book is significant in that it offers a lively and diverse collection of gambling-related ideas presented at a fairly elementary level and in a readable manner. Mazur's robust blend of anecdotes, history, psychology, and mathematics differs from other attempts to discuss these ideas. He offers plenty of insights into the questions and issues he raises."--Edward Packel, author of "The Mathematics of Games and Gambling"