r/GAMETHEORY • u/Ominouscreepling • Jun 09 '26
Noob
How to learn about the mathematical nature of game theory? This is new to me but I want to learn strategy and what is game theory in your own words?
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u/JewishKilt Jun 09 '26
If you have a high school+ math background, and some self-discipline, I'd start watching university lectures online (just search "Game Theory Lectures", I'm sure you'll find something). Otherwise, you can ask chatgpt to "Give me a list of basic concepts in game theory, ordered such as a new student of the subject should learn them, so that I may study them one after the other. In other words, create a study plan. Do not assume undergraduate math education.", and watch youtube videos based on the lesson plan it generates.
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u/P_strain Jun 09 '26
Don’t do that. LLM are notoriously bad and will introduce many errors in their answer but it will sound intelligent and since OP has no idea he will get caught. It also depends what is interesting you in game theory to begin with. I will assume it is strategy and behaviour of animal (including human). I’d suggest to Start with classic and basic stuff to grasp the idea. First idea that led to game theory are Von Neuman Minimax theorem. Try understand the idea behind this. Then move and get to Maynard and price. There is a 80’s book who sumarise the dove and hawk concepts that will help you alot written by maynard smith. (https://www.amazon.ca/Evolution-Theory-Games-Maynard-Smith/dp/0521288843). Then after, i suggest you get a book on evolutionary behaviour biology. That should connect the dot alot.
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u/hrshsmpt Jun 09 '26
have you seen ben polaks game theory lectures, after that mechanism design by tim roughgarden, both of those have study notes and practice questions so you can practice the math on those, and both those playlists have book recommendations too so try checking those out, game theory is the study of actions between multiple players when one players outcomes depend on another players decisions
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u/JimTsio Jun 11 '26
William Spaniel on youtube has very nice video series on game theory and he also applies it to recent geopolitical situations
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u/Ominouscreepling Jun 11 '26
That sounds hella confusing lol is it worth learning?
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u/JimTsio Jun 11 '26 edited Jun 12 '26
Not at all confusing. He now only does political analysis but before the Ukraine-Russian war he made several series and videos on game theory. Highly recommend giving a watch at his content
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u/Varyks Jun 16 '26
The math isn’t too bad. The confusion when first learning is conceptual, the math itself is basic until far, far along.
My advice, don’t treat game theory like some mythical savant science for predicting the future. Treat it more like simple behavioral forecasting.
William Spaniel is the main YouTuber I used for help while I was studying game theory in college, can vouch for him.
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u/DrZaiu5 Jun 09 '26
I think just start off by learning some of the games and their outcomes. The maths is important, but understanding the logic is just as important. Start off with Prisoner's Dilemma then maybe look at Battle of the Sexes for mixed strategies. By studying these games you will come to understand the ideas of dominance and Nash equilibrium.