Taaksepäinvaikutusta

Taaksepäinvaikutusta, often translated as backward induction, is a fundamental concept in game theory used to solve sequential games. It involves working backward from the end of the game to determine the optimal strategy for each player at each decision point. The process begins by analyzing the last possible moves in the game and identifying the best outcome for the player whose turn it is, assuming the game will end immediately after their move.

Once the optimal move in the final stage is determined, this outcome is then taken as a given for the preceding decision point. The game is analyzed backward, step by step, with players anticipating the future optimal actions of others. This allows players to make informed decisions at earlier stages, knowing how subsequent players will react optimally.

The result of applying backward induction is a subgame perfect Nash equilibrium. This is a stronger solution concept than a regular Nash equilibrium because it ensures that the strategies are optimal not only for the overall game but also for every possible subgame within it. In simpler terms, it means no player has an incentive to deviate from their chosen strategy at any point in the game, even if they reach a situation that was not initially expected. Backward induction is a powerful tool for understanding strategic decision-making in situations where players move in sequence.