📚 Learning Guide
Game Theory
hard

In a strategic game involving two players, if one player has a dominant strategy, what can be inferred about the nature of the game being played, particularly in relation to zero-sum and non-zero-sum games?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

It must be a zero-sum game

B

It can be either a zero-sum or non-zero-sum game

C

It must be a non-zero-sum game

D

The existence of a dominant strategy negates the classification of the game

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

In a strategic game, a dominant strategy means that one player has a choice that is the best option, no matter what the other player does. This suggests that the game has a clear structure where one player can always maximize their outcome by following this strategy. In zero-sum games, where one player's gain is exactly equal to the other player's loss, having a dominant strategy can lead to predictable outcomes. For example, if Player A always chooses their dominant strategy to win points, Player B can only adjust their strategy to minimize losses. In non-zero-sum games, the presence of a dominant strategy may still lead to a clear advantage, but it doesn't always mean that one player's gain comes directly at the expense of the other, allowing for more complex interactions.

Detailed Explanation

A dominant strategy means one player has a best choice, no matter what the other does. Other options are incorrect because Some might think a dominant strategy only exists in zero-sum games; It's a common mistake to think a dominant strategy means the game is always non-zero-sum.

Key Concepts

dominant strategy
zero-sum games
non-zero-sum games
Topic

Game Theory

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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