Game theory (博弈论)

Game theory (博弈论 bóyì lùn) refers to the study of strategic decision making and mathematical models of negotiation between different players. Players try to maximize gains and minimize losses in a prescribed setting, and each player’s pay-off is affected by the decision made by others. A famous example is the prisoner’s dilemma. Game theory is applied in various real-world scenarios, such as pricing competition and military strategy.

• 博 (bó) as in gambling (赌博 dǔbó) or fight (搏击 bójī).
• 弈 (yì) originally refers to play chess.
• 论 (lùn) as in thesis (论文 lùnwén) or debate (辩论 biànlùn).

Game theory (博弈论 bóyì lùn) as in:

1. Evolutionary game theory (进化博弈论 jìnhuà bóyì lùn).
2. Algorithmic game theory (算法博弈论 suànfǎ bóyì lùn).