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.
Kamikaze Grandma
Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. ๐ฑ๐ง Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Nutmeg Riot
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. ๐ Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! ๐บ๐ง Audiobook immersion without complications โ this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly.
Green Ghost
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. ๐ง Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app โ pure listening pleasure! ๐๐ฅ This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Spitfire
This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers โ it's my go-to source for literary adventures! Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended!
Jester
This app has completely transformed my commute โ I look forward to it now! ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience โ it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Mule Skinner
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. ๐ Turning my phone into a portal of stories โ this app's ease of use is remarkable! ๐ฑ๐ซ The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Dangle
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
Flotsams54
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations โ it's like the app knows me! Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it.
Iron Butterfly
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. ๐ผ Making work hours enjoyable โ audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. ๐ป๐ ๐ฑ An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts โ it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ๐๐ก ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear.
3D Waffle
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool.
PepperBurst
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites.
Flash Protein
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itโs a unique feature.
Bad Bond
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. ๐ฅ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger โ this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. ๐ฑ๐ Savoring audiobooks without complications โ this app's design is top-notch.
GiddeeUP
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. I've been recommending this app to all my friends โ it's a true game-changer. ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience โ a fantastic feature. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off.
Rando Tank
๐ Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks โ wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! ๐๐ง Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. ๐๐ง The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Sky Herald
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly โ this app's design is top-notch. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Snake Eyes
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way โ through audiobooks! I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience.
Fl00d
Audiobooks have never been this engaging โ this app takes them to the next level. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use โ it's a reader's dream come true. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers.
Jelly Momentum
๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ Staying entertained during leisurely walks โ audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ง ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. 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! The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Steel Cut Toe
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. ๐งโโ๏ธ Finding zen in the art of listening โ this app takes mindfulness to a new level! ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ง
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