Introduction
In this game, you will play against the computer. You and your opponent are prisoners. You are both interrogated separately, in secret, and you cannot communicate with each other. You both have two options:
- "COOPERATE" with each other (by each remaining silent), or
- "DEFECT" from each other (by one betraying the other)
Instructions
- Enter the number of tries that you want to play (the more the better, try 369).
- Select the Start Game button.
- Chose the strategy that you want your opponent to use (of course you can't do this in real life, can you?).
- Make your choice on the grid, to either COOPERATE or DEFECT.
- Review the outcome of your choice(s) in the chart and the scoreboard below the grid.
Expected results
- If you both cooperate (remain silent), you both get to serve 1 year in prison.
- If both of you defect (betray each other), you all get to serve 2 years in prison.
- If one defects and the other cooperates, the defector goes free, the cooperator gets 3 years in prison.
Extras:
* In this game, to "cooperate" means to act in a way that is mutually beneficial, or at least not harmful, to other participants in the game. If a player chooses to "cooperate," they are effectively choosing a strategy that, if reciprocated by the other player, leads to a favorable outcome for both.
* To "defect" means to act in one's own self-interest at the expense of others. In the Prisoner's Dilemma, a player who chooses to "defect" is betraying or going against the other player, seeking a better outcome for themselves even if it means a worse outcome for the other player.