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Analyzing game dynamics

To analyze the game dynamics of small sample games, we plot the mixed strategy on the Cartesian plane. The Nash improvement function is used to construct a vector field, showing how each player will want to deviate when playing any given strategy. A key insight is that the Nash equilibria are fixed points in this vector field.

Prisoner's Dilemna

Deny
Confess
Deny
Confess
-2
-3
0
-3
Deny
Confess
Deny
Confess
-2
0
-3
-3

Hawk-Dove Game

Dove
Hawk
Hawk
Dove
0
2
-2
4
Dove
Hawk
Hawk
Dove
4
2
-2
0

Insist-Accept Game

Insist
Accept
Insist
Accept
0
10
1
0
Insist
Accept
Insist
Accept
0
1
10
0