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Zero-Sum Game

Updated: Feb 20, 2021


Definition: A zero-sum game is a mathematical representation of a situation in which each participant's gain or loss of utility is exactly balanced by the losses or gains of the other participants' utility. If the participants' total gains are added up, and the total losses are subtracted, they will sum to zero. (Wikipedia)

Let's make it simple. Rock, paper & scissors, or chess are examples of zero-sum games. Because at the end of the game, one wins, one loses.


I think about this concept a lot. Most of the time, when I make a decision, I always map it to game theory, and it is a fun exercise for me. Since I am a business school graduate, I think it is understandable.


What do you think? All we experience in life is a zero-sum game?


For me, mostly, it is because everything in life comes with consequences. For you to win, someone needs to lose.


The only exception I see is happiness. It is not a limited resource and not bound to anything. Because no one but you is responsible for your happiness, even if it seems happiness comes after an interaction or transaction, It is a one-person act. The people who understand it and don't relate this to a person or a thing will measure happiness correctly.


For me, when something happens to a person I know, good or bad, it doesn't affect my happiness. Of course, I will be happy or sad for them, but it never affects mine. Someone's failure never makes me happy, even if it adds to my favor. Or someone's success never makes me sad, even if it destroys my opportunities. So it is up to you to decide if it is a concept in a zero-sum game or not. 😉


Dating?💑 Maybe ... Come on... this is definitely not a zero-sum game. My opinion is, it is one of the exceptional situations where everybody gains or loses. Both parties enjoy the night or think it is a waste of time.


Love?❤ Not sure. Probably for love, you need to find the balance with using Coalition- Proof Nash equilibrium. Don't forget the condition; The players all will do their utmost to maximize their expected payoff as described by the game. In 2020, yes, love became like that. It is not an emotion anymore; it is a strategy. But don’t forget it is a finite game with a strategy…


War? 🤦‍♀️When you think simple, it is a zero-sum game. One wins, one loses. But for me, both winner and the defeated are losing. It is destructive; We say a victory, but the winner loses a lot during the war. So logically, it is, but emotionally and realistically, it is not.


Do the exercise yourself; the more scenarios you come up with, the more fun it will be.


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