The theory of games is suggested to some extent by parlour games such as chess and bridge. Friedman illustrates two distinct features of these games. First, in a parlour game played for money, if one wins the other (others) loses (lose). Second, these games are games involving a strategy. In a game of chess, while choosing what action is to be taken, a player tries to guess how his/her opponent will react to the various actions he or she might take. In contrast, the cardpastime, ‘patience’ or ‘solitaire’ is played only against chance.
Which one of the following can best be described as a “game?”
- The team of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary climbing Mt. Everest for the first time in human history.
- A national level essay writing competition.
- A decisive war between the armed forces of India and Pakistan over Kashmir.
- Oil Exporters’ Union deciding on world oil prices, completely disregarding the countries which have at most minimal oil production.