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    Game Theory: Tips To Win Games

    By Ramraj Saini
    3 Feb'23  4 min read
    Game Theory: Tips To Win Games
    Synopsis

     We all like to win, correct? What if you know some theory that you could use to your benefit to win all those games you play with friends? Game theory is a branch of mathematics that helps you make better decisions during conflicting situations. Here we discuss game theories including the chicken game, prisoner dilemma, and tips to win the game. These theories help students to understand the mindset and thinking process of the opposite players. Let's read the article to know more about these theories.

    Game Theory: Tips To Win Games
    Synopsis

     We all like to win, correct? What if you know some theory that you could use to your benefit to win all those games you play with friends? Game theory is a branch of mathematics that helps you make better decisions during conflicting situations. Here we discuss game theories including the chicken game, prisoner dilemma, and tips to win the game. These theories help students to understand the mindset and thinking process of the opposite players. Let's read the article to know more about these theories.

    Game theory is a branch of mathematics that studies decision-making in situations where multiple individuals (referred to as "players") have conflicting goals. In other words, this is a science of strategies which comes under the probability distribution. It is used to analyse and predict the behaviour of individuals in strategic situations, where the outcome depends not only on an individual's own actions but also on the actions of others. Game theory models can be used to analyse and design various types of games, including cooperative and non-cooperative games, as well as zero-sum and non-zero-sum games. Applications of game theory can be found in a wide range of fields, including economics, political science, psychology, and biology.

    In general, game theory is most straightforward to apply in two-person or two-organisation games with limited options for action, as this simplifies the analysis. Although real-life situations are rarely simple, they can often be approached with this framework. Now let's understand the game theory matrix for two players.

    The Game Theory Matrix

    Game theory applies a simple matrix to situations. There are two players who both have two sets of actions.

    The-Game-Theory-Matrix

    A practical illustration of game theory is the game of "chicken." In this scenario, two drivers are driving toward each other on a single-track road (or over a narrow bridge). When they meet, they each have a choice: to veer or to persist. If they veer, they will go off the road, which will prolong their journey but prevent a crash and save face. However, if both drivers persist, they will collide. The following is the decision matrix for the chicken game:

    a-game-of-chicken

    The essence of the game is recognising that Winning is preferable to Tying, Tying is preferable to Losing, and both are better than a Crash.

    It is likely for both players to veer in order to avoid the disastrous consequences of a crash, resulting in a tie.

    Also Read | Maths Meets Art: How Artists Use Geometry And Symmetry To Create A Masterpiece

    However, another possibility arises if one assumes the other player will veer. It is rational not to veer. But if both players adopt this logic, a crash becomes inevitable.

    In this game, there are two possible outcomes: Tying/Tying and Crashing/Crashing, both equally probable.

    Game Theory and Cooperation

    The Prisoners' Dilemma is a well-known example in game theory. It involves two prisoners who have the choice to remain silent or betray each other. If they both keep quiet, they will serve a 1-year term. If one decides to betray the other, the betrayer goes free while the betrayed serves 3 years. In the case of mutual betrayal, both receive a 2-year sentence. The payoffs are summarised in a matrix.

    Game-Theory-and-CooperationThe optimal outcome in the Prisoners' Dilemma game is for both players to stay silent. However, from a personal standpoint, betraying the other player results in the best outcome, leading to both players betraying each other and receiving a 2-year sentence. Despite this, cooperation is often seen in real-life scenarios more than the theory suggests.

    Zero Sum Game Theory

    Game theory studies a special type of game called zero-sum games. These are constant-sum games where resources cannot be increased or decreased, and the total benefit of all strategies always adds up to zero. In zero-sum games, one player wins and one player loses, so the players' interests are in opposition. On the other hand, non-zero-sum games in game theory have a net result that is either greater than or less than zero, meaning a player's gain does not correspond to another player's loss.

    Importance Of Game Theory

    • Better decision-making: By understanding the principles of game theory, students can make more informed decisions in various situations, including academics, personal life, and future careers.

    • Improved strategic thinking: Game theory teaches students to think strategically and analyse different outcomes based on the actions of others. This can be useful in a variety of contexts, such as negotiating, problem-solving, and competitive situations.

    • Understand human behaviour: Game theory provides insights into human behaviour and decision-making processes. This can help students better understand and predict the behaviour of others in real-life situations.

    • Preparation for future studies: Game theory is widely used in fields such as economics, political science, and computer science. Understanding the principles of game theory can be helpful for students who wish to pursue these fields in the future

    Also Read | Biomimetics: Applications And Perspectives Of This Future Technology

    Tips To Win Games

    1. Know your opponent: Understanding your opponent's behaviour and strategies is crucial in any game. Anticipate their moves and plan accordingly.

    2. Consider multiple scenarios: When making decisions, consider numerous possible outcomes and plan for the worst-case scenario.

    3. Cooperate when beneficial: Cooperation can often lead to mutual benefits and a better outcome for both players. Consider cooperating with your opponent if it leads to a better outcome for both of you.

    4. Be flexible: Be open to alter your strategies if they are not working. Flexibility is key in game theory and can often lead to a better outcome.

    5. Keep your emotions in check: Emotions can cloud your judgement and lead to poor decisions. Try to make rational decisions.

    6. Practice and analyse: The more you practise and analyse your decisions, the better you will become at game theory. Try to learn from your mistakes and improve your strategies.

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