centipede game

(game theory) An extensive form game in which two players take turns choosing either to take a slightly larger share of an increasing pot, or to pass the pot to the other player. The payoffs are arranged so that if one passes the pot to one's opponent and the opponent takes the pot on the next round, one receives slightly less than if one had taken the pot on this round, but after an additional switch the potential payoff will be higher. Therefore, although at each round a player has an incentive to take the pot, it would be better for them to wait.

Japanese Meaning

ゲーム理論における一種の拡張形ゲームで、２人のプレイヤーが交互に、少しずつ大きい分配金を獲得するか、賞金を相手に譲るかの選択を行う。各ラウンドで賞金を先取りする方が即時の利得は高くなるが、相手に賞金を渡し、さらに続けることで将来的により大きな利益を期待できるという戦略的ジレンマが存在する。