Dictionary :: Games

Glossary of game theory terms.

Battle of the Sexes

Scenario

A husband and wife have agreed to attend a rare entertainment event in the evening. Unfortunately, neither remembers which of the two special events in town they had agreed on - the boxing match or the opera. The husband prefers the boxing match while the wife prefers the opera; yet, both prefer being together to being apart. They must decide simultaneously and without communication which event to attend.

Description

There are two pure strategy equilibria. A different pure strategy equilibrium is preferred by each player. However, either equilibrium is preferred by both players to any of the non-equilibrium outcomes. Thus, both equilibria are Pareto optimal. A mixed strategy equilibrium also exists.

Example

Husband
boxing opera
Wife boxing 1,2 0,0
opera 0,0 2,1

General Form

Player 2
L R
Player 1 U a,w b,x
D c,y d,z
Where the following relations hold:
d>a>b; d>a>c
w>z>y; w>z>x

updated: 12 August 2005
HOW TO CITE THIS ENTRY