Pure strategy

Definition

A pure strategy is a specific and unchanging plan of action that a player follows in a game, where they consistently choose the same option in a given situation. This approach contrasts with mixed strategies, where players randomize their choices. In game theory, employing a pure strategy allows players to have a predictable and defined response to various scenarios, thus influencing the outcomes based on their decisions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a pure strategy, players have a consistent response in every situation rather than varying their actions.
2. Pure strategies are often easier to analyze in strategic interactions as they lead to clear expectations of player behavior.
3. They can be advantageous in games with simple rules or limited choices, making predictions about outcomes more straightforward.
4. Pure strategies may not always lead to optimal outcomes when other players are also using mixed or dominant strategies.
5. In some games, the use of pure strategies can result in Nash equilibria, where all players are satisfied with their chosen strategies given the strategies of others.

Review Questions

• How does using a pure strategy impact the predictability of outcomes in strategic interactions?
  • Using a pure strategy enhances predictability since players consistently follow the same course of action in similar situations. This consistency allows opponents to anticipate reactions and adjust their own strategies accordingly. In environments where all players use pure strategies, the outcomes can become more structured, leading to stable equilibria.
• Compare and contrast pure strategies and mixed strategies in terms of their applications in game theory.
  • Pure strategies involve making definite choices without variation, while mixed strategies incorporate randomness among possible actions. Pure strategies are simpler and allow for clear predictions, making them applicable in straightforward games. In contrast, mixed strategies introduce uncertainty, which can be crucial in complex scenarios where opponents might alter their behavior based on observed patterns.
• Evaluate the significance of pure strategies within the context of finding Nash equilibria in game theory.
  • Pure strategies play a vital role in identifying Nash equilibria as they provide fixed responses that can lead to stable outcomes. When players employ pure strategies, it becomes easier to analyze interactions and determine points where no player has an incentive to deviate from their chosen strategy. However, not all Nash equilibria are achieved through pure strategies; some may require mixed strategies, showcasing the importance of understanding both concepts in strategic decision-making.

Related terms

mixed strategy: A strategy where a player randomizes over multiple possible actions to keep opponents uncertain about their choice.

dominant strategy: A strategy that yields a higher payoff for a player regardless of what the other players do.

Nash equilibrium: A situation in a game where no player can benefit by changing their strategy while the other players keep theirs unchanged.