Game theory

The website for the exercise classes (group 3) in Game theory in winter semester 2026/27.

Course syllabus

1. Introduction and examples of games
   Multiplayer and two player games, two player zero-sum games, multistage and random games
2. Basic concepts and theorems
   Pure and mixed strategies, the game value for the i^th player, Nash equilibrium points and some of their properties, domination, The Nash Theorem (existence and support versions)
3. Selected types of random games
4. Zero-sum games
   Properties of optimal strategies, methods of solving certain types of matrix games, extremal optimal strategies
5. Nash arbitration scheme
6. Strategic moves
   Agreements of the move order, promises, threats
7. Multiplayer games and coalitions
   Characteristic functions, imputations, core, Shapley value, Gately point

Literature

The main sources:

1. S. Karlin, Mathematical Methods and Theory in Games, Programming, and Economics (for lists 1–4).
2. P. Straffin, Game Theory and Strategy (for lists 5–7).
3. Nash Theorems, in the form presented during the lectures.

Exercise classes

Time:  Tuesday 16:05-17:40
Room:  EM
Problem lists:  1   2   3   4   (the remaining ones will follow shortly)

Criteria for assesment

• The main criteria for assesment are two midterm exams, taking place at a time to be announced later.
• Each student is required to solve at least two exercises from two different lists on the blackboard during the exercise classes.
• The grade boundaries will be based on the usual criteria as well as the histogram of the results from midterm exams.