Reference / Game theory

Nash equilibrium

Concept, intermediate

A set of choices where no player can do better by changing only their own.

Each player’s choice is a best answer to the others’. An equilibrium need not be good for anyone: in the Prisoner’s Dilemma, both betraying is the equilibrium, and both would prefer mutual cooperation.

Play it out: the Prisoner's Dilemma lab, about five minutes against bots.