Leona and Bernie have committed a crime. If Leona denies committing the crime, Bernie can lower his penalty from 5 years to 2 years by confessing to the crime. If Leona confesses to the crime, Bernie can lower his penalty from 18 years to 7 years by confessing to the crime. Based on this information, we know with certainty that
A) Bernie's dominant strategy is to deny the crime.
B) Bernie has no dominant strategy.
C) Bernie's dominant strategy is to confess to the crime.
D) Bernie's dominant strategy is to confess to the crime only if Leona denies committing the crime.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bernie's dominant strategy is to confess to the crime because, regardless of Leona's action (whether she confesses or denies), confessing always results in a lower penalty for Bernie (2 years if Leona denies, 7 years if Leona confesses) compared to denying (which would result in 5 years if Leona denies, 18 years if Leona confesses).

Leona and Bernie Have Committed a Crime