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Welcome to Game Theory

A rigorous and insightful introduction to game theory that equips learners with strategic thinking tools for real-world decision-making.

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What will you learn in Welcome to Game Theory Course

  • Fundamental concepts of game theory, including Nash equilibrium, dominant strategies, and backward induction.

  • Strategic decision-making in interactive environments involving competition and cooperation.

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  • How to analyze real-world scenarios like auctions, voting systems, and business negotiations using mathematical models.

  • Methods to predict and influence outcomes in strategic situations.

Program Overview

Module 1: Introduction to Game Theory

⏱️ 1 week

  • Topics: Players, strategies, payoffs, rationality assumptions.

  • Hands-on: Simple game model construction and analysis.

Module 2: Dominant Strategies & Nash Equilibrium

⏱️ 1 week

  • Topics: Pure strategy Nash equilibria, dominance, strategic stability.

  • Hands-on: Calculate Nash equilibria in static games.

Module 3: Extensive Form & Backward Induction

⏱️ 1 week

  • Topics: Game trees, sequential games, subgame perfection.

  • Hands-on: Use backward induction to solve multi-stage games.

Module 4: Mixed Strategies

⏱️ 1 week

  • Topics: Probability in decision-making, mixed strategy Nash equilibria.

  • Hands-on: Analyze games without pure strategy solutions.

Module 5: Repeated Games & Reputation

⏱️ 1 week

  • Topics: Infinite horizon games, cooperation enforcement, tit-for-tat.

  • Hands-on: Model long-term interaction strategies.

Module 6: Applications of Game Theory

⏱️ 1 week

  • Topics: Auctions, voting, oligopoly pricing, evolutionary games.

  • Hands-on: Case study analysis and economic simulations.

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Job Outlook

  • High relevance in fields such as economics, political science, business strategy, AI, and data science.

  • Game theory is a foundational tool for strategic roles in consulting, tech, policy analysis, and academia.

  • Valuable for professionals in operations research, fintech, law, and competitive market analysis.

9.7Expert Score
Highly Recommendedx
An intellectually rich, mathematically grounded course that introduces key game theory concepts with clarity and precision—ideal for students and professionals in economics or decision sciences.
Value
9.5
Price
9.3
Skills
9.7
Information
9.7
PROS
  • Taught by a leading academic from the University of Tokyo.
  • Strong balance of theory and applied examples.
  • Clear visualizations and structured content.
CONS
  • Assumes basic math comfort, especially in probability.
  • May be too theoretical for those seeking only business applications.

Specification: Welcome to Game Theory

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

FAQs

  • Basic understanding of probability and algebra recommended.
  • No prior economics background required.
  • Focuses on strategic thinking and decision-making frameworks.
  • Suitable for students, professionals, and curious learners.
  • Provides hands-on exercises to apply game theory in real-world scenarios.
  • Covers Nash equilibrium, dominant strategies, and backward induction.
  • Explains subgame perfection and mixed strategies.
  • Teaches repeated games and reputation effects.
  • Hands-on exercises in constructing and analyzing games.
  • Prepares learners to predict and influence strategic outcomes.
  • Analyze auctions, voting systems, and oligopoly pricing.
  • Explore evolutionary games and strategic interactions.
  • Hands-on simulations for economic and political scenarios.
  • Case studies enhance understanding of real-world applications.
  • Helps learners make strategic decisions in professional contexts.
  • Prepares learners for consulting, policy analysis, and strategic roles.
  • Valuable for careers in AI, fintech, operations research, and economics.
  • Enhances analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Certificate demonstrates mastery of game theory fundamentals.
  • Builds a foundation for advanced courses in decision sciences.
  • 6 modules: Introduction, Dominant Strategies & Nash Equilibrium, Extensive Form & Backward Induction, Mixed Strategies, Repeated Games & Reputation, Applications.
  • Each module: ~1 week at a moderate pace.
  • Self-paced with lifetime access.
  • Hands-on exercises and case studies in each module.
  • Total duration: ~6 weeks.
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