Game Book

Just from the cover page, I could tell that this wasn’t going to be as boring as the title sounded. I always judge a book by its cover, and this one showed promise, even the individual chapters sounded interesting. Although reading was still a bit of a hassle…

Generally, the book introduces game theory and gives examples or applications with respect to day-to-day activities or situations. Before reading this book, I wasn’t that familiar with game theory. I only knew that it had something to do with generalized strategies or techniques. Though I mainly associated it with more complex games such as card games or some of those other gambling games (mainly because of the movie 21). I never expected game theory to be applicable to such simple and mundane tasks such as rock-paper-scissors, that weird teaspoon scenario and those “chicken” games. I honestly thought they were just luck or instinct based. Why would you even take those things seriously?

Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy the first parts. In a way I the content itself was boring since I didn’t really want to learn most of it. In fact, I was almost content on just reading the Table of Contents. What really made me read were those comments from others on how relatable and nostalgic the book made you feel… I really don’t care about game theory in everyday life. Who cares that the teaspoons are gone? Who cares what chapter 1 was? (You should just help each other, act first then think later)

Chapter 2 onwards was like trip to memory lane. “I cut, you choose” that’s like golden rule a golden rule for me and my siblings. I never really thought of it as a “strategy”, it was more of an precaution to prevent arguments. I always laugh when others take this too seriously (once, my cousin actually cut a slice of pizza into several squares just to make it even).

Chapter 3 was one of the best chapters. The 6 dilemmas were so easy to relate to, I have experienced most of them especially the chicken and volunteer’s dilemma. Whenever I use the chicken trick it usually ends up in a guilt or conscience game where the winner is the less moral and more selfish one. Volunteers’ dilemma is always seen during those chore, assignment or election situations wherein you give such good reasons as to why others should do them but will “magically” be inapplicable to yourselves.

I don’t remember much of chapter 4, only that rock-paper-scissors is more well known and complex than what I initially thought. I couldn’t have imagined that this simple game would have so many versions and names from all around the globe. It just shows how practical the cyclic nature of r-p-s is. It can easily be a last resort for resolving any argument or decision.

Chapters 5, 6 and 8 were boring… they mainly dealt with the moral perspectives of such situations and simple strategies or paths that could improve how we deal or react to these situations. These chapters were full of moral dilemmas and psychological standpoints that I honestly think are totally subjective. Things like trust and cooperation shouldn’t just “fit” into patterns easy enough to generalize. Seriously? Why would you rationalize something like trust?

Chapter 7, though part of the moral perspective of the book, was still very enjoyable. It actually tackled the subject of “balus”. I definitely think that’s part of human nature, equal exchange, as said by others. It’s like human-driven karma. I know it was something that most parents would teach out of their children, but we can’t deny that it is an immortal habit. It still lives in everyone… waiting for a chance for revenge.

Overall I thought that the book was quite enjoyable, though some parts were a bit hard to understand. I liked many of the chapters, especially those that I related to directly. It was fun to be reminded about those childhood games and tricks. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, it easily exceeded my expectations. Who knew such a complex yet funny perspective can be written about things as trivial as rock-paper-scissors.