The num8er my5teries – The secret of the winning streak (2006)

Marcus du Sautoy

Marcus du Sautoy explains why games are won and lost on the first move and how lateral thinking can unlock the most fiendish brainteasers.

Watch time: 38:46
Marcus du Sautoy holding two large dice, standing in front of a crowd
Credit: Royal Institution

Lecture 3 – The secret of the winning streak

Logic is an important part of playing games, so it is perhaps not surprising that mathematics can help you plan the winning strategy.

In his third Lecture, Marcus du Sautoy explores why certain games are won and lost on the first move and how lateral thinking can unlock the most fiendish brainteasers.

About the 2006 CHRISTMAS LECTURES

Marcus Du Sautoy’s lectures take us on a grand tour of the fascinating world of mathematics. From numbers to shapes and from codes to chaos, the Num8er My5teries explore some of the great stories of mathematics.

The five Lectures show how a small amount of maths can bring alive some of the most exciting mysteries of the universe.

Marcus breaks down popular misconceptions about maths by revealing how mathematics has helped build the modern world. Every time we download a song from iTunes, take a flight across the Atlantic or talk on our mobile phones, we are relying on the great inventions of mathematics.

At the heart of every lecture is a conundrum that has stumped mathematicians and for which a million dollar reward was offered for a solution.

2006 CHRISTMAS LECTURES supporters

Building closures from 9 December onwards

We are closed on the 10 and 12 December, along with other closures during the week starting 9 December, full details here.