MINDSETWeeks to result

Janken Step Game

A variant of Rock Paper Scissors

Problem it solves

limiting beliefs

Best for

Competitive situations

Not ideal for

Cooperative situations

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Janken step game is a variant of Rock Paper Scissors where the winner climbs up a staircase and the loser stays behind. The game is a zero-sum game and can be solved using the minimax theorem.

Core principles

3 total
  1. The game is a zero-sum game
  2. The minimax theorem can be used to find the optimal mixed strategy
  3. The game has a unique equilibrium mixture of strategies

Steps

2 steps
  1. Define the game
    Define the game and the payoffs for each player.
    Pro tipMake sure to define the game and payoffs clearly.
    WarningIncorrect definition of the game can lead to incorrect results.
  2. Find the equilibrium mixture of strategies
    Find the equilibrium mixture of strategies using the minimax theorem.
    Pro tipUse the minimax theorem to find the optimal mixed strategy.
    WarningIncorrect calculation of the equilibrium mixture of strategies can lead to incorrect results.

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Janken step game

The Janken step game is a variant of Rock Paper Scissors where the winner climbs up a staircase and the loser stays behind.

OutcomeThe minimax theorem can be used to find the optimal mixed strategy for the Janken step game.

Common mistakes

2 traps
Incorrect definition of the game
Incorrect definition of the game can lead to incorrect results.
Incorrect calculation of the equilibrium mixture of strategies
Incorrect calculation of the equilibrium mixture of strategies can lead to incorrect results.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The Janken step game is a variant of Rock Paper Scissors and is commonly played in Japan.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
The Art of Strategy: A Game Theorist's Guide to Success in Business and Life
Dixit, Avinash K. · 2008
Open source →

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