Book description
Checkers, backgammon, chess, and Go. Poker, Scrabble, and bridge. These seven games, ancient and modern, fascinate millions of people worldwide. In Seven Games, Oliver Roeder charts their origins and historical importance, the delightful arcana of their rules, and the ways their design makes them pleasurable.Roeder introduces thrilling competitors, such as evangelical minister Marion Tinsley, who across forty years lost only three games of checkers; Shusai, the Master, the last Go champion of imperial Japan, defending tradition against "modern rationalism"; and an IBM engineer who created a backgammon program so capable at self-learning that NASA used it on the space shuttle. He delves into the history and lore of each game: backgammon boards in ancient Egypt, the Indian origins of chess, how certain shells from a particular beach in Japan make the finest white Go stones.Beyond the cultural and personal stories, Roeder explores why games, seemingly trivial pastimes, speak so deeply to the human soul. He introduces an early philosopher of games, the aptly named Bernard Suits, and visits an Oxford cosmologist who has perfected a computer that can effectively play bridge, a game as complicated as human language itself.Throughout, Roeder tells the compelling story of how humans, pursuing scientific glory and competitive advantage, have invented AI programs better than any human player, and what that means for the games--and for us. Funny, fascinating, and profound, Seven Games is a story of obsession, psychology, history, and how play makes us human.
Howitzer Rise
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Drift
CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
True Sweetness
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook.
The China Wall
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
The Final Judgement
This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits β truly impressive. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app.
Mr. Thanksgiving
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. π§ An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand β this app is pure convenience! ππ
ByteBard
This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Sultan of Speed
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VenusLion
CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
DreamWeaver
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys β thank you, app! π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine.
Silver Agent
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient.
MysticMingle
The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. ListenBook is more than just an app β it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content.
Raggedy Ann
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didnβt dislike it, but I also didnβt feel strongly about it one way or another.
Nacho
ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
PixelPioneer
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Spider Fuji
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Soiled Dove
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ±
Campfire Mama
The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
Dropkick
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ππ ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers.
Bootleg Taximan
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience