In this updated contribution to recreational math the first of four planned volumes, Berlekamp (mathematics, electrical engineering/computer science, U. of California, Berkeley) and his merry math pranksters share combinatorics theory-based games and strategies to make such brainy games easier. Some color graphics enliven the many examples of such pastimes as Hackenbush, Toad vs. Frog, and Eatcake. Co-author Conway (mathematics, Princeton U.) invented the Game of Life computer simulation. Originally published 25 years ago. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)