Mathematical games include many topics which are a part of recreational mathematics, but can also cover topics such as the mathematics of games, and playing games with mathematics.
Mathematical Games was the title of a long-running column on the subject by Martin Gardner in Scientific American. He inspired several new generations of mathematicians and scientists through his interest in mathematical recreations.
Mathematics of games This can be a more serious subject than the name belies. It can include the statistical analysis of card games such as poker or bridge to understand and improve play techniques.
Playing games with mathematics
The foremost popularizers of recreational mathematics in recent years have been
Other figures in recreational mathematics history have included:
Specific mathematical games