The Compleat Strategyst

Only a basic understanding of arithmetic is needed to grasp these strategy games with two or more sets of inimical interests and a limitless array of zero-sum payoffs.

When "The Compleat Strategyst" was originally published in 1954, game theory was an esoteric and mysterious subject, familiar only to specialized researchers, particularly in the military. Its popularity today can be traced at least in part to this book, which popularized the subject for amateurs, professionals, and students throughout the world. It has been reprinted numerous times and has been translated into at least five languages, including Russian and Japanese. Now, more than fifty years after its first publication as a RAND research study, and to celebrate RAND's 60th Anniversary, RAND is proud to bring this classic work back into print in paperback and digital formats.

Classic game theory primer from 1954 that discusses basic concepts of game theory and its applications, and which popularized the subject for amateurs, professionals, and students throughout the world.

A famed political scientist's classic argument for a more cooperative world We assume that, in a world ruled by natural selection, selfishness pays. So why cooperate? In The Evolution of Cooperation, political scientist Robert Axelrod seeks to answer this question. In 1980, he organized the famed Computer Prisoners Dilemma Tournament, which sought to find the optimal strategy for survival in a particular game. Over and over, the simplest strategy, a cooperative program called Tit for Tat, shut out the competition. In other words, cooperation, not unfettered competition, turns out to be our best chance for survival. A vital book for leaders and decision makers, The Evolution of Cooperation reveals how cooperative principles help us think better about everything from military strategy, to political elections, to family dynamics.

This text offers an exceptionally clear presentation of the mathematical theory of games of strategy and its applications to many fields including economics, military, business, and operations research.

This fascinating, newly revised edition offers an overview of game theory, plus lucid coverage of two-person zero-sum game with equilibrium points; general, two-person zero-sum game; utility theory; and other topics.

“I am hard pressed to think of another book that can match the combination of practical insights and reading enjoyment.”—Steven Levitt Game theory means rigorous strategic thinking. It’s the art of anticipating your opponent’s next moves, knowing full well that your rival is trying to do the same thing to you. Though parts of game theory involve simple common sense, much is counterintuitive, and it can only be mastered by developing a new way of seeing the world. Using a diverse array of rich case studies—from pop culture, TV, movies, sports, politics, and history—the authors show how nearly every business and personal interaction has a game-theory component to it. Mastering game theory will make you more successful in business and life, and this lively book is the key to that mastery.