game theory

noun

1. a mathematical theory that deals with strategies for maximizing gains and minimizing losses within prescribed constraints, as the rules of a card game: widely applied in the solution of various decision-making problems, as those of military strategy and business policy.

game theory

noun

1. mathematical theory concerned with the optimum choice of strategy in situations involving a conflict of interest Also calledtheory of games

game theory

/ gām /

1. A mathematical method of making decisions in which a competitive situation is analyzed to determine the optimal course of action for an interested party. Game theory is often used in political, economic, and military planning.

Derived Forms

• ˌgame-ˌtheoˈretic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of game theory¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

In cryptocurrencies, it’s as important to understand memes and the social layer as it is to understand the technology and game theory that make bitcoin a secure network.

From Vox

In the 1950s, four decades before he won a Nobel Prize for his contributions to game theory and his story inspired the book and film “A Beautiful Mind,” the mathematician John Nash proved one of the most remarkable results in all of geometry.

From Quanta Magazine

On the other hand, even the cleverest strategy is potentially open to exploitation—game theory cannot be discounted, even by a computer of sci-fi-level superintelligence.

From Nautilus

It’s behind strategy games like chess and entire disciplines such as game theory.

From Singularity Hub 

You’ve been a lifelong analyst of social dynamics and game theory.

From Freakonomics

So he and his partner, Zack Simpson, did what they do so well: started spit-balling some game theory around politics.

From The Daily Beast

The ongoing game theory behind the Israeli air strikes and ground invasion is, in effect, “The Netanyahu Peace Plan.”

From The Daily Beast

But instead of boning up on trivia, he read my blog—and schooled himself on game theory.

From The Daily Beast

He was giving himself what his research—game theory, in this case—taught him was the best chance to win.

From The Daily Beast

The Myth is popular with people who have taken a one-semester class on game theory, and/or watched a lot of movies.

From The Daily Beast