What do you call this JavaScript syntax, so I can research it?

Question

1) In the following code, what is the reasoning behind making gameOfLive a variable and not just function gameOfLife()?

2) What is go

Answer 1

Putting a function in a variable allows you to come along later and replace it with another function, replacing the function transparently to the rest of your code. This is the same thing you're doing when you specify "onClick=" on a form widget.