Game theory in my words.

Game theory is an interesting phenomenon, we can take leaf out of it for our everyday activities.

To explain more about this, prisoner's dilemma is given as a example. If you understand the
the following scenario. You will be able to appreciate Game Theory, and will help you to take
a wise decision on your day-to-activities based on Game theory.

Let us see what is Prisoner's dilemma

Two members of a criminal gang are arrested and imprisoned. Each prisoner is in solitary 
confinement with no means of speaking to or exchanging messages with the other. The prosecutors 
do not have enough evidence to convict the pair on the principal charge. They hope to get both 
sentenced to a year in prison on a lesser charge. Simultaneously, the prosecutors offer each 
prisoner a bargain. Each prisoner is given the opportunity either to: betray the other by 
testifying that the other committed the crime, or to cooperate with the other by remaining silent.

Here is the offer:
If A and B each betray the other, each of them serves 2 years in prison
If A betrays B but B remains silent, A will be set free and B will serve 3 years in prison 
(and vice versa)
If A and B both remain silent, both of them will only serve 1 year in prison 
(on the lesser charge)


While driving back to home, I thought about game theory. We  use high beam lights, wherever
it is dark and to improve the visibility on road. But the real purpose is forgotten long back.
Commuters use it for no purpose, for people like me it is an irritant. Apply this above principle
in the usage of High/low beam lights.

1)If you use high beam light. and the approaching vehicle use high beam, and neither you nor the
approaching vehicle are in a mood to switch to low beam. Eventually, it is lose-lose situation.
In this case, both cause trouble to each other

2) If you use low beam light, and the vechicle approaching towards us, use the high beam. If we
choose to remain with low beam, then it is a lose-win situation.As the approaching vehicle is
having unfair advantage on road by causing trouble to you. You remain defiant.

3) If you use high beam light, and the vehicle approach towards you use the low beam, on seeing this
you choose to switch to low beam. In this case, both do not disturb each other and this is a
happy path scenario. Neither you nor the opponent gained nothing or lost nothing. It is a win-win
situation.


Though there are many interpretations about Game theory,my interpretation is be compassionate with
people around you. If you are able to make the others do the same to you. World would be the
happiest place to live. When you choose to revenge people who caused you trouble, the game will
be infinite and the result would either be win-lose or lose-win.

Apply this in whatever you do, you will see the difference in your life.

If you are interested on this topic, do read "Games Indians play". An interesting book on game theory.