3 game theory tactics, explained

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Published 2023-02-08
How to maximize wins and minimize losses, explained by four experts on game theory.

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Game theory is a useful tool for decision-making in situations where the outcome depends on multiple parties. It provides a systematic way to analyze the interdependence of individuals or organizations and their potential strategies.

Not only does game theory help you identify the optimal strategy for achieving your goals, it can also help you avoid the sunk-cost fallacy — the tendency to persist in an endeavor because of the resources you've already invested.

By taking into account the potential actions and responses of other players, game theory allows you to minimize your losses and make informed choices that lead to better outcomes. Whether you're negotiating a business deal or making investment decisions, game theory can be a valuable asset in helping you make smarter choices and achieve your objectives.

0:00 What is game theory?
1:08 War: Learn from Reagan and Gorbachev
2:58 Poker: The sunk cost fallacy
5:56 Zero-sum games: The minimax strategy

Read the video transcript ► bigthink.com/series/the-big-think-interview/game-t…

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About Kevin Zollman:
Kevin Zollman is an associate professor in the Department of Philosophy at Carnegie Mellon University. He is also an associate fellow at the Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh, visiting professor at the Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (part of Ludwig-Maximilians Universität), and an associate editor of the journal Philosophy of Science. His research focuses on game theory, agent based modeling, and the philosophy of science. Zollman is the co-author of The Game Theorist's Guide to Parenting: How the Science of Strategic Thinking Can Help You Deal with the Toughest Negotiators You Know--Your Kids, with Paul Raeburn.

About Annie Duke:
Annie Duke has leveraged her expertise in the science of smart decision making to excel at pursuits as varied as championship poker to public speaking. For two decades, Annie was one of the top poker players in the world. In 2004, she bested a field of 234 players to win her first World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet. The same year, she triumphed in the $2 million winner-take-all, invitation-only WSOP Tournament of Champions. In 2010, she won the prestigious NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship. Prior to becoming a professional poker player, Annie was awarded the National Science Foundation Fellowship. Thanks to this fellowship, she studied Cognitive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.

About Liv Boeree:
Olivia "Liv" Boeree is a poker player, TV presenter and model from England who won the 2010 European Poker Tour in Sanremo. Born in Kent, Boeree studied at Ashford School before going on to earn a First Class Honours degree in Physics with Astrophysics at the University of Manchester. She was the #1 ranked female player on the Global Poker Index as of November 2015, and #6 on the female all-time live poker winnings list.

About Julia Galef:
Julia Galef is a New York-based writer and public speaker specializing in science, rationality, and design. She serves on the board of directors of the New York City Skeptics, co-hosts their official podcast, Rationally Speaking, and co-writes the blog Rationally Speaking along with philosopher of science Massimo Pigliucci. She has moderated panel discussions at The Amazing Meeting and the Northeast Conference on Science and Skepticism, and gives frequent public lectures to organizations including the Center for Inquiry and the Secular Student Alliance. Julia received her B.A. in statistics from Columbia in 2005.

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All Comments (21)
  • @brettmedina8218
    "Minimizing your maximum loss" As a trader, these are the most important words when dealing with risk management.
  • @thegreatloll
    I think a more detailed video would be marvelous. Because what was just here assumes that at least one of the opponents is minimizing the maximum loss. However, what if the opponent's intention is not to win or not to minimize the losses. I know the theory is more detailed than that. This is why I am recommending a detailed video. Thanks for the ideas you bring to the table.
  • Very nicely narrated and scripted. Amazing and Quite Informative video ❤
  • To summarize : 1. What can we do that would result in more benefits and less drawbacks of the both parties? 2. If you are sure that putting your money from now on in the current hand (poker example) will result in more loss, you should stop playing. This is Sunk Cost Fallacy. 3. Third one works when you are competing against a strong opponent. What can you do which can minimize your maximum loss. This is called Minimax.
  • Can we just take a moment to acknowledge how Big Thinks always brings us high quality videos?
  • Great vid. It’s also interesting how it works with multiple parties involved since the higher number involved the chances of lower cooperation. For example with OPEC (13 oil country exporters) where they have guidelines annually to produce a certain amount of oil in order to maintain a certain price. Though most of the countries, if not all, produce a slightly higher amount than agreed upon to minimize damages in case the other members decide to produce over the agreed upon amount. Game theory in general is complex and can be probably be discussed about in depth for hours.
  • @bLaffix
    The tic-tac-toe example of the Minimax strategy would be better suited if the end game was a tie, I think. Because right now it doesn't look like minimizing losses, but maximizing winning lol.
  • @WonkaTonka
    Short, detailed to the point and incredibly beneficial Good stuff
  • @arijit2005
    I used to think that I am ultra defensive,but now I know I have been following minimax strategy, unknowingly though.
  • @chrisklugh
    I would add on to the looking for a win/win between 2 parties to include a 3rd party. There is always a 3rd party, or more that will be effected by this decision. This certainly adds more complexity to a negotiation, but if done so, you could come out with a better agreement that benefits even more parties. This might mean you might be taking home 'less' out of a deal. But this is best for everyone and you should see that as being part of the reward as well.
  • I’m an attorney. The minny-max strategy is something litigators always do.
  • @leslieleong5522
    thanks.. how does this apply to stock market trading? trading is a game involves multiple players all wanted to win at any point in time within a day on a particular stock/few stocks. means what is the strategic moves to win? cut losses sure, but still losses. to win, how to win using game theory mindset?
  • 3 game theory 1. In zero-sum game. You should lose nothing but maybe you can achieve something. Minize losses. 2. You should think it is okay to get out something that you been working so long. Because when you keep working on in, maybe you will be loss more than before. 3. In such moment, think what the best way is to get out from the problem and win.
  • Appear strong when your weak,appear weak when your strong ~Poker zu