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stag-hunt.md

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+---
+title: Stag Hunt
+tags: []
+---
+# Stag Hunt
+
+In [[game-theory]], the **stag hunt** is a stereotypical game
+which describes two actors, each with the same two options,
+which they must commit to without knowledge of the other's decision
+hunt stag or hunt hare.
+If a hunter chooses to hunt hare, they will catch it.
+A stag, however, can only be taken by the hunters in cooperation,
+so if only one hunter chooses to hunt stag,
+that one will catch nothing and go hungry.
+
+| Hunter A \ Hunter B     | Hunter B: Hunt Stag  | Hunter B: Hunt Hare  |
+|:----------------------- |:--------------------:|:--------------------:|
+| **Hunter A: Hunt Stag** | Eat stag \ Eat stag  | Go hungry \ Eat hare |
+| **Hunter A: Hunt Hare** | Eat hare \ Go hungry | Eat hare \ Eat hare  |
+
+Whether hunting stag or hare becomes the dominant strategy
+depends on the relative payoff of each
+and each actor's trust in the other to cooperate.
+
+The value in understanding this game
+is understanding that "selfishness"
+is largely not a inherent quality of individuals,
+but a response to [[incentives]].