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.
ThermalMode
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
MicroStar
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itโs a pleasure to use.
Sherm
๐ง My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. ๐๐ณ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook!
New York Mood
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. ๐ Turning my phone into a portal of stories โ this app's ease of use is remarkable! ๐ฑ๐ซ Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
Find It Girl
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. ๐โโ๏ธ๐ Combining fitness and fiction โ this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! ๐โโ๏ธ๐
Baby Brown
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ๐๐ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever. ListenBookโs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. ListenBookโs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Crash Override
This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Good for background listening. I didnโt get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narratorโs voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Lady Fantastic
This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. Audiobook excellence simplified โ this app's functionality is a true delight. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. ๐ง๐ฑ ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Danger Menace
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. ListenBookโs interface is beautiful and functional. Itโs my favorite app for audiobooks.
DragonBlood
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy โ it's eye-opening. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy. Good for background listening. I didnโt get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narratorโs voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Airport Hobo
ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. ๐ฅ Elevating my reading routine to new heights โ this app is a real page-turner! ๐๐ CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Sapiens
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use.
Ice
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. ๐งโโ๏ธ Finding zen in the art of listening โ this app takes mindfulness to a new level! ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ง Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature! I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off.
Tacklebox
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Mr. 44
Effortless and enriching โ that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. ๐ฑ๐ Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience.
Overrun
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. ๐โโ๏ธ๐ Running through chapters has never been smoother โ the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. ๐โโ๏ธ๐ง Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
Woodland Beauty
The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itโs perfect for my needs.
High Deck
This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. Audiobook adventures simplified โ this app's functionality is a revelation. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears.
Midnight Bat
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. Audiobook multitasking simplified โ this app's functionality is truly commendable. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else.
DriftDetector
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. ๐ช Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features โ audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! ๐ผ๐ง Download options are plenty โ I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise.
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