Optimal cooperation-trap strategies for the iterated rock-paper-scissors game

PLoS One. 2014 Oct 29;9(10):e111278. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111278. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

In an iterated non-cooperative game, if all the players act to maximize their individual accumulated payoff, the system as a whole usually converges to a Nash equilibrium that poorly benefits any player. Here we show that such an undesirable destiny is avoidable in an iterated Rock-Paper-Scissors (RPS) game involving two rational players, X and Y. Player X has the option of proactively adopting a cooperation-trap strategy, which enforces complete cooperation from the rational player Y and leads to a highly beneficial and maximally fair situation to both players. That maximal degree of cooperation is achievable in such a competitive system with cyclic dominance of actions may stimulate further theoretical and empirical studies on how to resolve conflicts and enhance cooperation in human societies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Models, Psychological*
  • Play and Playthings / psychology*

Grants and funding

Funding provided by The National Basic Research Program of China (grant number 2013CB932804) to HJZ and The National Science Foundation of China (grant number 11121403 and 11225526) to HJZ. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.