Tom and Billy are playing a game.They both toss a coin simultaneously.If the results of the tosses are the same,both heads or both tails,Tom wins.If the results of the tosses are different,one heads and one tails,Billy wins.This is an example of ________.
A) the prisoners' dilemma
B) a variable-sum game
C) a zero-sum game
D) an extensive-form game

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a zero-sum game, the winnings of one player are equal to the losses of the other player. In this game, Tom's winnings are exactly the same as Billy's losses and vice versa, hence it is a zero-sum game. It is not the prisoners' dilemma as there is no element of cooperation or betrayal involved. It is not a variable-sum game as the total winnings of the two players are always the same. It is not an extensive-form game as there is no element of sequential decision making involved.

Tom and Billy Are Playing a Game