

Game Theory
Game Theory
Speakeasy conversation about strategy, competition, economics, history, and policy from two non-experts.
The episodes include some actual economic Game Theory such as the Prisoner's Dilemma, the Traveler's Dilemma, and the Public Good game. Episodes also include conversations on dilemmas in TV/Movies, sports, and board/card games, as well as the history of military, intelligence (spies), politics, and economics.
The objective is simply to think critically about how people make strategic choices regarding the world around them and most importantly, about the people around them.
The episodes include some actual economic Game Theory such as the Prisoner's Dilemma, the Traveler's Dilemma, and the Public Good game. Episodes also include conversations on dilemmas in TV/Movies, sports, and board/card games, as well as the history of military, intelligence (spies), politics, and economics.
The objective is simply to think critically about how people make strategic choices regarding the world around them and most importantly, about the people around them.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 5, 2022 • 33min
Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers agree to tie - why this would never work a real life NFL Prisoner's Dilemma
On January 9, 2022 the LV Raiders and LA Chargers will play a football game wherein a tie could be a win-win scenario for both teams. The Raiders and Chargers (if the Indianapolis Colts lose at 1 p.m. est) could both make the NFL playoffs with a tie in the final regular season game of 2021/22.
This NFL Prisoner's dilemma at once both completely different than the classic Game Theory concept and exactly the same as the original dilemma.
In this episode, Nick and Chris quickly examine what makes this different, what makes it the same, and what the teams should do.
Googliography:
NFL Playoff Scenarios: https://www.nfl.com/news/playoff-clinching-scenarios-for-week-18-of-2021-nfl-season
Pro Football Talk: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/01/03/theres-one-way-that-a-chargers-raiders-tie-gets-both-team-into-the-playoffs/
Sports Illustrated: https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2022/01/03/raiders-chargers-playoff-implications-tie-sunday-night-football-wild-card

Dec 15, 2021 • 46min
The Game Theory and Probability of Aliens Are we alone? Is there life out there? How possible is it? What if there is?
Are aliens real? If they are would they want us? In this episode, Nick & Chris look into the math and philosophy of life being out there somewhere.
You can follow the show and participate in discussions on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/gametheorypod
If this description doesn't contain resources and a googliography, check back later, it's on the way.
Clips: Arrival, South Park.

Dec 3, 2021 • 35min
The Empty Fort Strategy - the craziest military bluff ever
In medieval Chinese myth, a brilliant writer and strategizer documented the best strategies of the day in a book called the thirty-six stratagems. In the separation subsection, there's a bluff called the "Empty Fort Strategy."
This strategy is so crazy, that it just might work.
It enters into the realm of reverse and reverse-reverse psychology in the manner that a bluff in poker does.
In this episode, the guys talk about the Empty Fort Strategy, military bluffs, and general one-upmanship in competition
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Email the guys: gametheroymedia1@gmail.com
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3pderlY
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Googlyography:
EMPTY FORT STRATEGY
Wikipedia: Empty Fort Strategy Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empty_Fort_Strategy#:~:text=The%20Empty%20Fort%20Strategy%20is,listed%20in%20the%20following%20sections.
OTHER BLUFFS
Military Bluffs: https://www.kickassfacts.com/10-greatest-bluffs-in-history-that-actually-paid-off/
Military Bluff Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/uabjp/what_are_some_of_the_greatest_military_bluffs_of/
Thirty-six Strategems Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirty-Six_Stratagems
Bluffing Board Games: https://www.boardgamehalv.com/best-bluffing-board-games/

Nov 19, 2021 • 51min
Chess cast II: 2021 World championships, history of the championships, and Magnus Carlsen is the GOAT
The chess world championships were delayed in 2020 due to the Covid-19. Now the championships will happen for about ten days in late November 2021.
The match will pit challenger Ian Nepomniatchi against three-time defending champion and world number 1, Magnus Carlsen.
In this episode, Nick and Chris will dive into the history of chess champions and discuss the historic relevance of the current Magnus reign of terror.

Nov 5, 2021 • 35min
The Price is Wrong B****! The Price is Right! with researcher Justin Bergner - How to get off contestant's row and how to position yourself for victory
TPIR is entering its 50th season. So, how do you win? How do you avoid losing? Why do people do what they do on contestants' row?
Full resources and description is pending
Helpful Links:
Learn more about Justin: https://bit.ly/3kaj8vk
The Price is Right Stats: https://bit.ly/3BJULul

Oct 23, 2021 • 53min
College Football Championship: Why crowning a champion is such a nightmare, and possible solutions
In this episode, the boys talk about college football, the only North American team sport to have huge arguments about who the best team is and who gets the right to challenge for the title.

10 snips
Oct 12, 2021 • 33min
The Big Game Lottery with Trent Williams: How North American hunters gamble for their right to harvest the animals around them and how the system may be broken
Trent Williams, an avid hunter and angler with a popular YouTube channel, shares his expertise on Wyoming's hunting lottery system. He delves into the complexities of state tag lotteries and discusses the ethical implications of big game hunting. The conversation highlights advancing technology in scouting methods and the importance of responsible hunting practices for conservation. Trent also explores how regulated hunting supports wildlife population management, emphasizing the need for community involvement in preserving ecosystems.

Aug 26, 2021 • 34min
Ground zero for women's rights is in Wyoming
Contact the show at gametheorymedia1@gmail.com
Resources:
Women's Suffrage in Wyoming: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_suffrage_in_Wyoming#cite_ref-:4_15-1
WyoHistory: https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/women-jury-wyoming-makes-history-again
Right Choice, Wrong Reasons: https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/right-choice-wrong-reasons-wyoming-women-win-right-vote
150 years of women in Wyoming https://www.powelltribune.com/stories/celebrating-wyomings-history-of-remarkable-women-leaders,30486
Wyoming Women, a timeline: https://wywf.org/wyoming-womens-history/
Further reading:
https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/life/women-of-the-century/2020/08/13/wyoming-woman-equal-rights-first-state-women-voting-rights/5021228002/
NOTE: Game Theory is educational and conversational - it is not meant to be 100% accurate. We will make relevant corrections in subsequent episodes.

16 snips
Aug 18, 2021 • 34min
Why are DoorDash and Uber prices so high? Why share a gold medal? The traveler's dilemma
The dynamics of pricing in the gig economy take center stage, as DoorDash and Uber grapple with the implications of the Decline Now movement. Listeners get a glimpse into how nostalgia influences modern convenience and nightlife. The conversation shifts to the Traveler's Dilemma, illustrating strategic decision-making through the lens of competition. Emotional connections are examined in the realms of shared gold medals among athletes, showcasing the camaraderie and psychological aspects that define competitive sports.

Aug 3, 2021 • 41min
Pokemon Cards - Collect or play? Keep or Sell?
Contact the show: gametheorymedia1@gmail.com
Pokemon cards have made a huge comeback for collectors, selling at massive prices. But, they've also made a comeback in popularity for players. In this episode Nick and Chris talk about their experience with the trading card game, the current market, and the current competative landscape.
Resources:
https://shop.tcgplayer.com/pokemon
Quarter million dollar sale. https://www.pennlive.com/life/2021/07/pa-auction-houses-record-breaking-sale-included-rare-shadowless-pokemon-cards.html
Most valuable pokemon cards: https://www.forbes.com/sites/joeparlock/2021/03/05/the-top-10-most-valuable-pokmon-tcg-cards-that-you-might-actually-own/