Golden Balls Game Theory

[mungbeanz]

Hello all,

I am enjoying watching the repeats of Golden Balls, but it has reminded me of something that bothers me. Surely the only thing to do in the final round is steal.

It seems that you can go home with half/nothing or all/nothing. No-brainer or am I missing something?

[AB Editor]

The first story here tells a really great story about Gold Balls, and how you can force someone to split with you... although it might only work once.

You might enjoy it: http://www.radiolab.org/story/whats-left-when-youre-right/

[AB Editor]

And they run through the "no-brainer" you're talking about, and how those choices add-up.

[Thecorn]

Substitute something for nothing and it's a different perspective

[Old_Geezer]

And when all think like that it's always nothing.
So, be a decent guy, and if all goes wrong, beat them up in the car park outside.

[mungbeanz]

Very interesting listen, yet it seems to agree that stealing is the best tactic?
The philanthropist's methods were quite brilliant though - thanks for sharing that link.

[AB Editor]

"So, be a decent guy, and if all goes wrong, beat them up in the car park outside."

O_G - I didn't know you worked for the UN?