What is payoff matrix representation in Game Theory?

Updated May 16, 2026

Short answer

A payoff matrix represents outcomes of strategies chosen by players in a game.

Deep explanation

It is a tabular representation where rows and columns correspond to strategies of players, and each cell shows payoffs. It helps analyze equilibrium and best responses.

Real-world example

Used in modeling pricing competition between firms.

Common mistakes

  • Ignoring that payoffs depend on both players' actions.

Follow-up questions

  • What is best response?
  • Can payoff matrices be extended beyond 2 players?

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