I chose to the strategy of cooperation in hopes that the computer would do the s

Question

I chose to the strategy of cooperation in hopes that the computer would do the same and we would both reap the benefits. As I had hoped, the computer used what the creators of the program call a tit for tat strategy. The computer and I both ended up with 50 pieces each. Unlike a human opponent, the computer can be counted on to maximize the potential gains. If I cooperated so would the program so both sides could achieve maximum gains. If one side or the other gets greedy, as humans usually do, there is a chance of a big win or a big loss. The best strategy in this particular situation, as it should be in life, is to play fair and share the rewards.

Do people cooperate or compete?

Explanation / Answer

Just like a Prisoner’s Dilemma game, although it is best for people to cooperate, they tend to get driven with their greed for more, ending up competing and then loosing, since competing by both leads to a loss for both.  

So, in order to ensure a cooperative behavior in the long run (if the game is played repeatedly), it is best for players to start by cooperating. This would give a cooperative signal to the other player, who would also respond by cooperating, because he would be aware that if he doesn’t cooperate today, the first player won’t cooperate tomorrow, leading to losses for both.

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