zero-sum game
A zero-sum game
is a game in which only one player can win (that is, achieve the goal of the game) and the losses (the failure to obtain a goal of the game) of any player are matched by gains by another player. A zero-sum game is a finite game
(a game that eventually comes to an end), and though only one player can win, the game can also end in a draw (meaning that neither side can win).
For example, in chess, when a player loses a piece captured by another player, the other player gains more open avenues on which to attack the king of the opponent. In Reversi (or Othello), a player must capture at least one of the opponent’s pieces; if not, then the player must pass. In poker, all players must contribute to the pot; whoever has the best hand claims the entire pot and the losers lose everything they put in the pot.
Zero-sum games were extensively studied by John von Neumann.
| Title | zero-sum game |
|---|---|
| Canonical name | ZerosumGame |
| Date of creation | 2013-03-22 16:32:52 |
| Last modified on | 2013-03-22 16:32:52 |
| Owner | PrimeFan (13766) |
| Last modified by | PrimeFan (13766) |
| Numerical id | 7 |
| Author | PrimeFan (13766) |
| Entry type | Definition |
| Classification | msc 91A99 |
| Synonym | zero sum game |