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Simultaneous Games vs. Sequential Games

Lesson Summary

This lesson demonstrates the difference between simultaneous and sequential games then concludes with a Kahoot! game. 

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Clip Summary

In the clip below, players must select a partner and then play a game against each other using marbles. Each pair must decide what type of game is played. Some pairs choose simultaneous games (odds/evens) while others pick sequential games (toss marbles into a hole in the ground). This clip deals with the uncertainty at the start of the game, where the players select partners before they know the rules of the game, and the tension between players when they realize they are competing against their partner - not against other teams.

Assessment Questions​

We have created a Kahoot! version of these questions if you would prefer to assess your students that way.

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  1. What assumptions did players make when choosing a partner?

  2. How do we know marbles is a zero-sum game?

  3. When players learn this 2-person game is a zero-sum game, how does this affect their strategy?

  4. Two games were played in this scene: (i) odds and evens; (ii) marble tossing. Which statement is true?

  5. In the scene where Player #218 hid 2 marbles & Player #199 guessed even, the outcome was:

Hover over box to see suggested answers

  1. They will be competing against other teams.

  2. There is a winner and a loser and the payoffs sum to zero.

  3. Cooperative behavior is no longer possible.

  4. (i) is a simultaneous game while (ii) is a sequential game.

  5. Player #218 loses 2 marbles, while Player #199 wins 2 marbles.

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