The Gambling Genius Who Revolutionized Math Forever

[Tero]

It’s hard to imagine a world where the spin of a roulette wheel or the shuffle of a deck of cards isn’t governed by chance.

Yet, in the 17th century, a brilliant mind unlocked the secrets of probability, and gave rise to ideas that have turned into real life objects later on.


The man, whose name is now immortalized in the history of mathematics, invented one the earliest mechanical calculators that was able to do addition and subtraction. Without him we might not even had invented hydraulics.

The Unseen Hand Behind the Wheel

Nope, no cars here. Those weren't around at the time. Although, this man invented the very first public transport system - Carrosses à cinq sols. I am talking about the wheel that gives and takes - well, mostly takes. The Roulette Wheel!

So who is this guy?

A man of many talents. The inventor of the roulette Wheel - Blaise Pascal. The Young Sheldon of his time, but maybe even brighter?

Unfortunately he passed away at the age of 39. Who knows what he might have invented if he had had more time. But life is short, and in the 1600's it was even shorter.

Why am I telling you about him?

The reason for this introductury is this: Next time your kid hates math, or has to give a presentation in front of a class about a mathematician, tell him/her about Pascal. Geeks can be cool too.

Did you know about Pascal? Or do you know about some other cool geek who has given us something for the world of gambling?

 

[R.Holynskyi]

He looks like he's been playing slots around the clock
He must have lost a lot
Did you know that most historians believe that playing cards were invented by the Chinese?

 

[najisami]

Did you know about Pascal? Or do you know about some other cool geek who has given us something for the world of gambling?

I do know the genius that is Pascal since high school. Pascal and his famous triangle . But never knew he had anything to do with "Roulette".

Just the other day, I was trying to learn about baccarat and that led me to know who invented it. Certainly not as brilliant as Pascal, but invented Baccarat nevertheless in the 15th century. He is an Italian named Felix Falguiere.

Pascal's triangle:

 

[G0930]

He was a great mathematician , father of the probability calculation.
Yes many historian credit him the invention of roulette when he was tinkling over a perpetual motion machine but Roulette actually derived from the Italian game "Biribi" invented in 1720

Theres also a primitive form of Roulette invented in England EO . (Even/odds)which was played in the 1800s in England.

So historians apparently are not sure who actually invented it

 

[Tero]

Did you know that most historians believe that playing cards were invented by the Chinese?

I did not know that. I always thought Chinese like more board games (at least in the past) Mahjong, Go, Chinese Chess with tangible pieces. Although, cards are tangible too.

 

[antonis32123]

I have heard of done other guys , who have tone some math work to solve a game or find some solutions or best decisions . For example on card counting on blackjack . But usually I don't memorise their names , no need to do this . Pascal ?? I think I h

 

[Sunz of Beaches]

Thank you for bringing up this very interesting character. I have never heard of him before. Seems like quite the genius. Sad he passed away so early.

 

[TeUnit]

John F Nash was another math genius that had a huge impact on gambling.

Most every pro is familiar with Nash Equilibrium.

 

[Aleksandr1991]

Он выглядит так, будто играет в слоты круглосуточно.:упс:
Он, должно быть, много потерял.:не уверен:
Знаете ли вы, что большинство историков считают, что игральные карты изобрели китайцы?

yes, Game cards were invented in China
The first maps were made of paper, wood, or bone, and then spread to india, Egypt and Europe, taking various forms