Game theory uses mathematical models to study strategic interactions and situations of conflict and cooperation between rational decision-makers. This course provides an accelerated introduction to tools, models and computation in non-cooperative and cooperative game theory. Technical material includes normal and extensive form games, zero-sum games, Nash equilibrium and other solution concepts, repeated games, games with incomplete information, auctions and mechanism design, the core, and Shapley value. Exploration of applications of this material through playing stylized in-class and class-wide games and analyzing real-life applications. Prerequisites: mathematical maturity at the level of MATH 51, and probability at the level of MS&E MS&E 120, or equivalent.
3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
Game theory uses mathematical models to study strategic interactions and situations of conflict and cooperation between rational decision-makers. This course provides an accelerated introduction to tools, models and computation in non-cooperative and cooperative game theory. Technical material includes normal and extensive form games, zero-sum games, Nash equilibrium and other solution concepts, repeated games, games with incomplete information, auctions and mechanism design, the core, and Shapley value. Exploration of applications of this material through playing stylized in-class and class-wide games and analyzing real-life applications. Prerequisites: mathematical maturity at the level of MATH51, and probability at the level of MS&E 120, or equivalent.
Offered in Spring 2026 at Stanford University.