Course code	UGEB2530B
Title	Games and Strategic Thinking
Unit	3
Lecturer	Dr. Liu Chun Lung (Kelvin) Office Rm 202A, LSB Office number 3943 7969 Email clliu@math.cuhk.edu.hk
Teaching assistants	Name Email Dr. Chan Tsz Lung atlchan@math.cuhk.edu.hk
Lectures	Face-to-face 11:30 - 12:15 on Mondays (see CUSIS for the exact dates) LSK LT 1 (Lee Shau Kee Bldg) 10:30 - 12:15 Wednesdays (see CUSIS for the exact dates) LHC 104 (Y.C. Liang Hall)
Language	Lectures in Cantonese with English course materials

The aim of this course is to study games and strategies from the mathematical perspective. We investigate the manner in which rational people interact when there are competitions. This applies to parlour games and more importantly to economy, social psychology, politics and business. We will introduce the great discoveries of Von Neumann and Nash, and discuss their impact on society. Also, we will use examples of various types of games to illustrate how some basic mathematical methods can lead to optimal strategies for decision making.

1. Sequential games
2. Matrices and probabilities
3. 2-person zero-sum games
4. 2-person non-zero-sum games
5. N-person non-cooperative games
6. N-person cooperative games
7. Evolutionary stable strategy (if time permits)

P. D. Straffin, Game Theory and Strategy, Mathematical Association of America.

• Peter Morris: Introduction to game theory, Springer-Verlag, 1994
• Martin J. Osborne: An introduction to game theory, 2003
• Avinash K. Dixit and Susan Skeath: Games of Strategy, 2004
• Roy Gardner, Hoboken, NJ: Games for business and economics, c2003
• Ken Binmore: Fun and Games - A Text on Game Theory, 1992.

Homeworks (6 sets) The total score will be multiplied by 1.2, with a ceiling at 15%.	15%
In-class exercises/games	10%
Midterm exam will be given on March 2	30%
Final exam will be given on April 20	45%

A	Demonstrates well integrated knowledge and a deep understanding of the basics of game theory; able to completely solve unfamiliar and nonstandard problems, provide innovative approaches to challenging ones, and apply knowledge and skills to new and unfamiliar real life problems with strong and convincing explanations.
A-	Demonstrates good knowledge and a strong understanding of the basics of game theory, provide highly accurate solutions to unfamiliar and nonstandard problems and apply knowledge and skills to new and unfamiliar real life problems with good explanations.
B	Demonstrates essential knowledge and a good understanding of the basics of game theory, provide solutions to unfamiliar but standard problems, and apply knowledge and skills to standard real life problems with adequate explanations.
C	Demonstrates satisfactory knowledge and an understanding, perhaps with gaps, of the basics of game theory, able to solve slight variations of routine problems and apply knowledge and skills to standard real life problems.
D	Demonstrates disconnected knowledge and only a limited understanding of the basics of game theory, shows sketchy argument with barely rigorous logic and apply knowledge and skills to simple and standard real life problems.
F	Unable to demonstrate sufficient knowledge and understanding of the basics of game theory, unable to solve the simplest type of problems and show little ability to apply knowledge to simple real life problems.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong places very high importance on honesty in academic work submitted by students, and adopts a policy of zero tolerance on cheating and plagiarism. Any related offence will lead to disciplinary action including termination of studies at the University.

Although cases of cheating or plagiarism are rare at the University, everyone should make himself/herself familiar with the content of the following website:
http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/policy/academichonesty/
and thereby help avoid any practice that would not be acceptable.