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	C	D
c	1, 1	0, 3
d	3, 0	2, 2

In game theory, Deadlock is a game where the action that is mutually most beneficial is also dominant. (An example payoff matrix for Deadlock is pictured to the right.) This provides a contrast to the Prisoner's Dilemma where the mutually most beneficial action is dominated. This makes Deadlock of rather less interest, since there is no conflict between self-interest and mutual benefit. The game provides some interest, however, since one has some motivation to encourage one's opponent to play a dominated strategy.

[edit] General definition

	C	D
c	a, b	c, d
d	e, f	g, h

Any game that satisfies the following two conditions constitutes a Deadlock game: (1) e>g>a>c and (2) d>h>b>f. These conditions require that d and D be dominant. (d, D) be of mutual benefit, and that one prefer one's opponent play c rather than d.

Like the Prisoner's Dilemma, this game has one unique Nash equilibrium: (d, D).

[edit] References

• GameTheory.net

v • d • e Topics in game theory Definitions Normal-form game · Extensive-form game · Cooperative game · Information set · Preference Equilibrium concepts Nash equilibrium · Subgame perfection · Bayesian-Nash · Perfect Bayesian · Trembling hand · Proper equilibrium · Epsilon-equilibrium · Correlated equilibrium · Sequential equilibrium · Quasi-perfect equilibrium · Evolutionarily stable strategy · Risk dominance · Pareto efficiency · Quantal response equilibrium · Self-confirming equilibrium Strategies Dominant strategies · Pure strategy · Mixed strategy · Tit for tat · Grim trigger · Collusion · Backward induction Classes of games Symmetric game · Perfect information · Simultaneous game · Sequential game · Repeated game · Signaling game · Cheap talk · Zero-sum game · Mechanism design · Bargaining problem · Stochastic game · Large poisson game · Nontransitive game · Global games Games Prisoner's dilemma · Traveler's dilemma · Coordination game · Chicken · Centipede game · Volunteer's dilemma · Dollar auction · Battle of the sexes · Stag hunt · Matching pennies · Ultimatum game · Minority game · Rock-paper-scissors · Pirate game · Dictator game · Public goods game · Blotto games · War of attrition · El Farol Bar problem · Cake cutting · Cournot game · Deadlock · Diner's dilemma · Guess 2/3 of the average · Kuhn poker · Nash bargaining game · Screening game · Trust game · Princess and monster game Theorems Minimax theorem · Purification theorem · Folk theorem · Revelation principle · Arrow's impossibility theorem See also Tragedy of the commons · All-pay auction · List of games in game theory

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