Welcome to Probability and Games of Chance!
How should we analyse games of chance and other strategic situations?
How can we reason correctly about uncertain or incomplete information
and make good strategic decisions? What are common pitfalls and reasoning
mistakes in such situations, why do we make them and how can we avoid them?
By playing, discussing and analysing games in class we will get acquainted with the basic tools and concepts
from game theory, probability theory and decision theory, and learn how to apply them to
poker and many other games. Along the way, we will look at the psychological side of
decision making, and at the history and at societal aspects of games of chance.
This course is open to everyone and requires no mathematical background.
How is Math Related to Poker?
Poker is a game of luck in the short run, but in the long run skill prevails. Knowing how to calculate
your odds, how to determine how often you should bluff and call possible bluffs,
and how to use general strategic principles
to your advantage are indispensible skills for success. In this course we look at poker and other games from a scientific perspective, and see how the insights from various disciplines can help us better
understand our favorite games.
Probability is the very guide to life
(Cicero)
Disclaimer
This course is not meant to encourage gambling. If students do so; they do so at their own risk. Neither the University of Ottawa nor the Professor can be held liable for any losses that students may incur if they chose to participate in any gambling activity.
