Recreational mathematics includes many mathematical games, and can be extended to cover such areas as logic and other puzzles of deductive reasoning. Some of the most interesting problems in this field do not require a knowledge of advanced mathematics.

The subject can include other topics such as the aesthetics of mathematics, and peculiar or amusing stories and coincidences about mathematics and mathematicians. Its greatest contribution is its ability to pique curiosity and inspire the further study of mathematics.

Recreational mathematics includes such topics as magic squares and the exploration of fractals aided by computer graphics.

The Journal of Recreational Mathematics is the biggest publication on this topic.

The foremost advocates of recreational mathematics have included

• John Conway
• H. S. M. Coxeter
• Henry Dudeney
• Martin Gardner, author of Mathematical Games, a long running column in Scientific American
• Piet Hein
• Douglas Hofstadter
• Sam Loyd
• Clifford A. Pickover, author of numerous books on recreational mathematics
• Walter William Rouse Ball
• David Singmaster
• Raymond Smullyan

References

• Journal of Recreational Mathematics
• http://www.mathpuzzle.com/ by Ed Pegg, Jr.
• The Unreasonable Utility of Recreational Mathematics by David Singmaster
• Profile of John Conway
• Nick's Mathematical Puzzles