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SF2972 Game Theory 7.5 credits

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Headings with content from the Course syllabus SF2972 (Spring 2020–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

 Games in normal form:

  • Pure and mixed strategies
  • Nash equilibrium
  • Dominance and rationalizability
  • Imperfect information and Bayesian games

Games in extensive form:

  • Pure, mixed, and behavioral strategies, Kuhnís theorem
  • Perfect information: Nash equilibrium, subgame perfect equilibrium
  • Imperfect information: sequential and perfect Bayesian equilibrium

Combinatorial game theory:

  • impartial games: nim, nimber, Sprague-Grundy's theorem
  • partizan games: Hackenbush, Conway's abstract theory, surreal numbers
  • computational game theory: minimax method, alpha-beta pruning

Intended learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to give a basic understanding of game theory, and how it can be applied in different problem areas. The course deals with both classical game theory and combinatorial game theory.

After completing the course, the student shall be able to:

  • use the appropriate method to analyze and find solutions for different two-person games,
  • analyze multi-person games for the existence of stable solutions,
  • describe combinatorial games and methods for playing them in an optimal way, and
  • independently solve slightly more complex problems and present the results both orally and in writing.

Course disposition

No information inserted

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

  • Completed basic course in calculus in one variable (SF1625, SF1673 or equivalent)
  • Completed basic course in calculus in several variables (SF1626, SF1674 or equivalent)

Recommended prerequisites

  • Completed basic course in discrete mathematics (SF1610, SF1679 or equivalent)

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

No information inserted

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • INL1 - Hand in Exercise, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 6.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Profile picture Johan Karlander

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course web

Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.

Course web SF2972

Offered by

SCI/Mathematics

Main field of study

Mathematics

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Johan Karlander (karlan@kth.se)