A mathematical exploration of the popular card game SET
Have you ever played the addictive card game SET? Have you ever wondered
about the connections between games and mathematics? If the answer to
either question is "yes," then The Joy of SET is the book for you!
The Joy of SET takes readers on a fascinating journey into this
seemingly simple card game and reveals its surprisingly deep and diverse
mathematical dimensions. Absolutely no mathematical background is
necessary to enjoy this book--all you need is a sense of curiosity and
adventure!
Originally invented in 1974 by Marsha Falco and officially released in
1991, SET has gained a widespread, loyal following. SET's eighty-one
cards consist of one, two, or three symbols of different shapes
(diamond, oval, squiggle), shadings (solid, striped, open), and colors
(green, purple, red). In order to win, players must identify "sets" of
three cards for which each characteristic is the same--or different--on
all the cards. SET's strategic and unique design opens connections to a
plethora of mathematical disciplines, including geometry, modular
arithmetic, combinatorics, probability, linear algebra, and computer
simulations. The Joy of SET looks at these areas as well as avenues
for further mathematical exploration. As the authors show, the
relationship between SET and mathematics runs in both
directions--playing this game has generated new mathematics, and the
math has led to new questions about the game itself.
The first book devoted to the mathematics of one of today's most popular
card games, The Joy of SET will entertain and enlighten the game
enthusiast in all of us.
