Here’s where it gets interesting. The simplest formulation of this game assumes that the consequences for the players are only the prison sentences listed, i.e., there is no consideration of real-time negotiation or future retribution. If, as a player, you are acting independently and rationally, the dominant strategy given this formulation and payoff matrix is always to betray your partner: No matter what they do, you’re better off betraying, and that’s the only way to get off free. If your co-conspirator remains silent, you go from one to zero years by betraying them, and if they betray you
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