Games are a constant source of enjoyment and fascination to people throughout the world. Some have survived in popularity for hundreds, even thousands, of years; others come in and out of fashion, or disappear as new ones are invented. This book includes every type of game, except those that require physical exertion, ranging from simple children's games to complex adult games. It covers board and strategy games, pencil and paper word games, tile and dice games, card games, gambling games, and popular commercial games. The equipment and rules for each game are clearly described but the book is not merely about how to play games but about how to play them well. Using his extensive knowledge of the subject, the author points out the distinctive features of a game, its strengths and weaknesses, and provides advice on the best strategies to employ.