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Stag Hunt

A coordination game with two Nash equilibria. Hunt stag together for a big reward, or hunt hare alone for a smaller but guaranteed payoff. Risk-dominance vs payoff-dominance in action.

Payoff Matrix (Nash Equilibria Highlighted)

🦌 Stag 🐇 Hare
🦌 Stag 5, 5 0, 3
🐇 Hare 3, 0 3, 3

Game Statistics

Rounds Played 0
Both Hunt Stag 0
Both Hunt Hare 0
Miscoordination 0
Avg Payoff 0

About the Stag Hunt

The Scenario: Two hunters can cooperate to hunt a stag (large reward) or hunt hare alone (smaller, guaranteed reward). Success in hunting stag requires both hunters to participate.

Nash Equilibria: This game has two pure strategy Nash equilibria:

• (Stag, Stag): Both hunt stag → (5, 5) - Payoff-dominant (best outcome)

• (Hare, Hare): Both hunt hare → (3, 3) - Risk-dominant (safer choice)

The Dilemma: Hunting stag gives the best payoff if both cooperate, but if your partner hunts hare, you get nothing. Hunting hare is safer - you always get 3.

Trust vs Safety: This models social contracts, teamwork, and coordination problems. Do you trust your partner to cooperate for the better outcome, or play it safe?

Real-world Applications: Technology standards adoption, business partnerships, international climate agreements, and any situation requiring mutual cooperation with asymmetric risk.