Preface

Summary

This is a book about predicting the future. It describes my attempt to master a small enough corner of the universe to glimpse the events of tomorrow, today. The degree to which one can do this in my tiny toy domain tells us something about our potential to foresee larger and more interesting futures.

Considered less prosaically, this is the story of my 25-year obsession with predicting the results of jai alai matches in order to bet on them successfully. As obsessions go, it probably does not rank with yearning for the love of one you will never have or questing for the freedom of an oppressed and downtrodden people. But it is my obsession – one that has led me down paths that were unimaginable at the beginning of the journey.

This book marks the successful completion of my long quest and gives me a chance to share what I have learned and experienced. I think the attentive reader will come to understand the worlds of mathematics, computers, gambling, and sports quite differently after reading this book.