game theory

American  

noun

1. a mathematical theory that deals with strategies for maximizing gains and minimizing losses within prescribed constraints, as the rules of a card game: widely applied in the solution of various decision-making problems, as those of military strategy and business policy.

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game theory British  

noun

1. Also called: theory of games.  mathematical theory concerned with the optimum choice of strategy in situations involving a conflict of interest

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game theory Scientific  

/ gām /

1. A mathematical method of making decisions in which a competitive situation is analyzed to determine the optimal course of action for an interested party. Game theory is often used in political, economic, and military planning.

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Other Word Forms

• game-theoretic adjective

Etymology

Origin of game theory

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

She is operating at the cutting edge of winter sports game theory.

From The Wall Street Journal

To see why, it helps to think of the civil-rights movement in terms of game theory—as an effort to move America from a bad equilibrium to a better one.

From The Wall Street Journal

Steeped in risk analysis and game theory, they strategize every possible scenario, promising that no matter what happens, we’ll be all right.

From The Wall Street Journal

The logic is closer to game theory than pure irrationality.

From The Wall Street Journal

In this situation, it is sensible game theory to look for allies.

From BBC