Abstract
In this paper, I introduce a novel benchmark in games, super-Nash performance, and a solution concept, optimin, whereby players maximize their minimal payoff under unilateral profitable deviations by other players. Optimin achieves super-Nash performance in that, for every Nash equilibrium, there exists an optimin where each player not only receives but also guarantees super-Nash payoffs under unilateral profitable deviations by others. Furthermore, optimin generalizes Nash equilibrium in (Formula presented.) -person constant-sum games and coincides with it when (Formula presented.). Finally, optimin is consistent with the direction of non-Nash deviations in games in which cooperation has been extensively studied.
Original language | English |
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Journal | INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC REVIEW |
Early online date | 26 Mar 2025 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 26 Mar 2025 |
Keywords
- Maximin criterion
- Nash equilibrium
- noncooperative games
- repeated prisoner’s dilemma
- solution concepts
- traveler’s dilemma