zerosummängude

Zero-sum games are a fundamental concept in game theory. In a zero-sum game, the total gains of the participants are exactly balanced by the total losses. This means that for any outcome of the game, the sum of the payoffs for all players is zero. If one player gains a certain amount, another player or players must lose that exact same amount.

These games are characterized by direct conflict between players. There is no possibility for mutual gain or for all players to be simultaneously better off. The interests of the players are diametrically opposed. Examples of zero-sum games include many simple board games like chess and checkers, card games like poker (though some variations can have elements of non-zero-sum play due to house rules or side bets), and competitive sports where only one participant can win.

In contrast, non-zero-sum games allow for situations where all players can benefit (a positive-sum game) or where all players can lose (a negative-sum game). The concept of zero-sum games is important for understanding strategic interactions and decision-making in various fields, including economics, political science, and evolutionary biology. Analyzing a game as zero-sum helps to identify the inherent competitive nature of the situation and the potential for redistribution of resources or outcomes.