The Master Of Mathematical Games-Martin Gardner

Martin Gardner is one the most famous writer of mathematical popular science in the 20th century. In 1957, he began writing a column called"Mathematical Games"in Scientific American, which makes mathematics releasing from the profound theory and returning to public view, more and more people interested in mathematics research, and the public having a deeper understanding of mathematics. Until 1982, Gardner has presided this column for 25 years. Because of him mathematics is widely popularized in American public. Simultaneously this column has made Gardner to be a great master of mathematical popular science. This paper detailedly describes his life, outstanding popular scientific achievement and severe criticism of the pseudo-science. We emphastically analyse the reason of "mathematical game" column created, summarize the characteristics of his mathematical games by researching his works and comparing with other mathematical games. Moreover, basing on the characteristics of Gardner's mathematical games, we discuss Gardner mathematical games'special functions: propagating mathematics, development mathematics, inspiring thinking, promoting education. The interest and operation of the games make the public change the dull impression of mathematics, generate strong interest in mathematics, thus promoting the spread of mathematics; Some masters of mathematics also find the value of researching from the games, developing a rounded mathematical theory; Some ingenious solutions provide some new ideas to solve the problem, inspiring the human thinking; In mathematical education aspect, students get rid of dull mood when they study mathmatics, because the mathmatical games provide an interesting way to learn mathematics. The paper also basing on history and current situation of Chinese mathematical popular science and mathematics curriculum reform, elaborates profound influence of Gadner's mathmatical games on Chinese mathematical games. In addition, Gardner's criticism of the pseudo-science is very incisive, we introduce the reason that he generates interest in pseudo-science in detail. After that combining typical example in his magnum opus " Magic Numbers of Dr Matrix ", we analyse the unique way and the function of criticizing the pseudo-science. Furthermore, the paper also describes Gardner's achievements in magic, philosophy, literature, religion and many other aspects.