Sequential Games

Game Theory · Axiom Academy

Discover how the order of moves transforms strategy and outcomes. Click on each game type to see how they differ. In which type of game do players know what others chose before making their own decision? Toggle between "Player 1 First" and "Player 2 First" to see how changing who moves first affects the outcome of this simple game. Sequential Games in the Real World Click on different scenarios to explore where sequential games appear in everyday life. Preview: Solving Sequential Games Click through the decision tree below from end to beginning . Start by clicking the rightmost outcomes to see how Player 2 would choose, then work backwards to Player 1's decision. Sequential games feature observable moves and a defined order , giving players information about previous actions. This contrasts with simultaneous games where all players choose without knowing others' choices. The order of moves can dramatically affect outcomes. First-mover advantages arise from commitment power, while second-mover advantages come from information. Analyzing these effects is central to game theory. Sequential games are solved by working backwards from the end. We determine optimal choices at future nodes first, then use that information to solve earlier decisions. This reveals the subgame perfect equilibrium.

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