Play safe strategy
This page is about the play safe strategy in zero sum games.
In this strategy, the player(s) choose the option which minimises the possible loss.
Take this pay-off matrix for example:
| Player 2 plays C | Player 2 plays D | Player 2 plays E | Row minima | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player 1 plays A | 2 | -1 | 1 | -1 |
| Player 1 plays B | 1 | -2 4 | -3 | -3 |
| Column maxima | 2 | -1 | 1 |
The numbers in the table represent the benefit to player 1 - play 2 loses that amount.
- The row minima is the worst that can happen for each of player 1’s options.
- The play safe strategy for player 1 is to choose the option with the highest row minima - in this case, option A.
- The column maxima is the best that can happen for each of player 2’s options.
- The play safe strategy for player 2 is to choose the option with the lowest column maxima - in this case, option D.
Value of the game
Section titled “Value of the game”The value of the game is the amount that player 1 can expect to win (or lose) if both players play their play safe strategies.