Abstract

This independent study explores two-person zero-sum game theory. The paper begins by giving a brief history of how game theory was founded. Next the basic definitions of game theory problems are given to help understand the structure of a game. These definitions allow for a section about two-person zero-sum games to be written. In this section lies a proof of the minimax theorem, which is one of the main theorems in game theory. The next chapter shows a few of the different ways to solve two-person game-theory problems. Knowing what these problems are and how to solve them helps create a real life example. The problem in this paper analyzes a game between the pitcher and a batter in a baseball game. Taking data from the 2011 major league baseball season, a game theory problem was created and solved. The solution was then analyzed to help understand optimal pitch selection.

Advisor

Hartman, James

Department

Mathematics

Disciplines

Applied Mathematics

Publication Date

2012

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2012 Joshua Stidham