Bato, Papel, Gunting

                Unlike the previous books that were reviewed, the Rock, Paper, Scissors was more like an application of mathematics in our daily lives. It is an account of key ideas in game theory and strategies were given to achieve cooperation. Len Fisher seemed wrote the book not to scare people about different mathematical theories and analysis, he did not made the book complicated and it was like an informal approach on game theory to general audiences.

                The first chapter of the book described the Prisoner’s dilemma. It showed the possible consequences if the prisoners confess, the two of them will confess or one will confess and the other will not. In this test, self-interest was showed.

                The second chapter focused on the “I cut and you choose”. In this part, concept of minimax and fair division was introduced. Fisher had shared one of his experiences in this, it is when he had trouble in shooting fireworks and his consequence was to yield the fireworks with his brother and he had realized now that it was an application of minimax principle. Fisher considered “the seven deadly dilemmas” as the seven most interesting game theory problems in the third chapter in which he gave strategies on how to solve the problem such as the free rider issue and the game of chicken.

                Fourth chapter was about the famous “rock, paper, scissors” game. Reading this made me realize that this game can solve conflicts just like in a small competition wherein two teams will have to break the tie. I have also encountered this one, especially when playing with my cousins when I was a kid. The outcome of the game will choose who wins and who will not. The last four chapters were all about cooperation in a game on how we can gain trust and to have an effective bargain.

                Though I like A Certain Ambiguity than this book but still, I enjoyed it because it is not that technical that will make you dizzy with different theories and analysis. The chapter I liked the most was the fourth chapter because it reminded me of my childhood and also, recently we played at the Atrium and used the “rock, paper, scissors” game to know whose team plays first.

                The totality of the book amused me because it did not just gave strategies in different games it also showed how your decision can affect people around you or how theirs may affect you. It is like a domino effect where in a certain decision is not merely applicable to one person, it may affect many people.