Also, this is a worthwhile read about 'random' numbers and probability which can be vital to combat algorithms:
"Statistically Speaking, It's Probably a Good Game, Part 1: Probability for Game Designers"
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20061018/sigman_01.shtml
"Statistically Speaking, It's Probably a Good Game, Part 1: Probability for Game Designers"
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20061018/sigman_01.shtml