Project by: Josh Sapira (10th Grade)
Project Advisor: Jess Prohias Gardiner
Student(s)’s Advisor(s): Jess Prohias Gardiner

In this project, I set out to explore game theory. Initially, I did in-depth research until I felt I understood enough game theory to then apply those principles into a game that I created (at this point I’m thinking a board game but this may change depending on how easy it will be to incorporate game theory into it). I took this on because I found it interesting and I hoped to widen my understanding of how math can be used to understand the real world.

Below are the rules for my game and some tips for winning, which were found using game theory:

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2/7/19

So far, I’ve been watching the video course on youtube to learn the basics of game theory. Immediately, it was very difficult because it was a college-level course that assumed its students had a background in game theory that I didn’t have. However, after a couple of episodes/classes, it’s finally beginning to make sense to me. In fact, in the previous episode/class, it provided a scenario that we had to use game theory to solve. It was pretty difficult at the start, but once I began filling in my game matrix, it was actually a lot of fun and I ended up getting it right. Overall, a successful beginning to my project and I’m looking forward to finishing this series.

2/22/19

I recently finished the video series, but I don’t think that starting my game designing now would be best. While I understand the basics of game theory, my application of it, both in speed and correctness, could definitely improve. I saw an article online that talked about a book called The Compleat Strategyst by J.D. Williams and people said it was very clear and helpful when they were trying to learn game theory, so I’m thinking of reading it. Other than that, I’m going to keep practicing what I’ve learned with online practice problems.

3/5/19

The Compleat Strategyst just arrived so I will be reading it over the next couple weeks. I’ve done some practice problems and I can definitely say that I am improving. Some of the problems have been pretty challenging and sometimes I’ve needed to look back at the video course to remember or re-learn how to solve them, but I’m starting to remember the various processes now.

5/11/19

I just finished reading The Compleat Strategyst and it was definitely a good decision to read it. I learned a lot of tricks and shortcuts that the video course didn’t go over. I think that soon I will be designing my board game. I have a few ideas in mind but I can see that it’s going to be very difficult to create a game matrix and work backwards to make a game as long and complex as a normal board game.

5/28/19

It is clear that a board game is definitely not going to work. When I originally proposed the creation of a board game, I misunderstood what the “game” in game theory meant. I’m thinking that a better way to utilize my new knowledge of game theory would be to create a card game. It fits the mold of a game theory situation better as it is two players making a series of decisions given the same options in the hopes of beating their opponent.

6/8/19 + synthesized reflection

I am proud to say that, aside from this reflection and the final signature on my pathway form, my honors project is complete. My game has definitely been successful. The family and friends that I’ve played with have loved it and have even started playing it on their own with their own friends and family. I ran into some bumps along the way, but overall I am content with the way my project turned out. Despite the steep learning curve for my initial attempt at learning game theory, I managed to gain a strong understanding of game theory, its main principles, and its many applications. I also hit some road bumps in designing my game that took me weeks to get over, but I am very very proud of how it turned out. Overall, it was a positive experience and I’m glad I did it. I look forward to using my new knowledge of game theory in the future and completing honors projects in the future.

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PROJECT PROPOSAL

Please write a description of the project you are proposing. Why do you want to take this on, and what do you hope to learn?

In this project, I’d like to explore game theory. Initially, I would do in-depth research until I understand game theory, and then apply those principles into a game which I will create (at this point I’m thinking a board game but this may change depending on how easy it will be to incorporate game theory into it). I’m taking this on because I find it interesting and I hope to widen my understanding of how math can be used to understand the real world.

Critical thinking, creativity, citizenship and courage are essential LREI learning values. Explain how you’ll draw on at least one of these values to complete your proposed project?

This project entails both critical thinking and creativity. The critical thinking occurs in the initial stages where I would learn game theory and plan out which principles/ideas I want to use in my game and how. Creativity will be used in creating a fun and cohesive game that people will enjoy.

What is your proposed outcome? How will you be able to demonstrate successful completion of this Project? How do you plan to share your learnings with the larger LREI community (e.g., exhibit of work, poster of learnings, performance, etc.)?

My proposed outcome will be a finished game, complete with a rule book. As of now, I think the best way to share this project with the larger community will be putting it in the library along with the other games.

Please provide a general outline that indicates your work plan for the trimester? What are some of the key project benchmarks (i.e., goals that will help to ensure that you finish the project)?

-Research game theory in detail
-Research the application of game theory
-Brainstorm/create outline for game
-Create game

When do you plan on meeting?
During advisory time. If extra time is needed we can schedule meetings but I believe this should be sufficient

2 thoughts on “Game Theory – Josh S.

  1. Approved! I look forward to working on this with you.

  2. I didn’t realize that the reflections were supposed to be recorded on the blog so I recorded them in a google doc which I copied and pasted below:

    2/7/19

    So far, I’ve been watching the video course on youtube to learn the basics of game theory. Immediately, it was very difficult because it was a college-level course that assumed its students had a background in game theory that I didn’t have. However, after a couple of episodes/classes, it’s finally beginning to make sense to me. In fact, in the previous episode/class, it provided a scenario that we had to use game theory to solve. It was pretty difficult at the start, but once I began filling in my game matrix, it was actually a lot of fun and I ended up getting it right. Overall, a successful beginning to my project and I’m looking forward to finishing this series.

    2/22/19

    I recently finished the video series, but I don’t think that starting my game designing now would be best. While I understand the basics of game theory, my application of it, both in speed and correctness, could definitely improve. I saw an article online that talked about a book called The Compleat Strategyst by J.D. Williams and people said it was very clear and helpful when they were trying to learn game theory, so I’m thinking of reading it. Other than that, I’m going to keep practicing what I’ve learned with online practice problems.

    3/5/19

    The Compleat Strategyst just arrived so I will be reading it over the next couple weeks. I’ve done some practice problems and I can definitely say that I am improving. Some of the problems have been pretty challenging and sometimes I’ve needed to look back at the video course to remember or re-learn how to solve them, but I’m starting to remember the various processes now.

    5/11/19

    I just finished reading The Compleat Strategyst and it was definitely a good decision to read it. I learned a lot of tricks and shortcuts that the video course didn’t go over. I think that soon I will be designing my board game. I have a few ideas in mind but I can see that it’s going to be very difficult to create a game matrix and work backwards to make a game as long and complex as a normal board game.

    5/28/19

    It is clear that a board game is definitely not going to work. When I originally proposed the creation of a board game, I misunderstood what the “game” in game theory meant. I’m thinking that a better way to utilize my new knowledge of game theory would be to create a card game. It fits the mold of a game theory situation better as it is two players making a series of decisions given the same options in the hopes of beating their opponent.

    6/8/19 + synthesized reflection

    I am proud to say that, aside from this reflection and the final signature on my pathway form, my honors project is complete. My game has definitely been successful. The family and friends that I’ve played with have loved it and have even started playing it on their own with their own friends and family. I ran into some bumps along the way, but overall I am content with the way my project turned out. Despite the steep learning curve for my initial attempt at learning game theory, I managed to gain a strong understanding of game theory, its main principles, and its many applications. I also hit some road bumps in designing my game that took me weeks to get over, but I am very very proud of how it turned out. Overall, it was a positive experience and I’m glad I did it. I look forward to using my new knowledge of game theory in the future and completing honors projects in the future.

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