Prisoners Dilemma Calculator

Prisoners Dilemma Calculator

Explore the classic game theory scenario where individual choices affect both players' payoffs.

Last updated: March 2026 | By ForgeCalc Engineering

Prisoners Dilemma Solver

Game theory

Calculation Steps

P1 action: Cooperate
P2 action: Cooperate
P1 payoff: 3
P2 payoff: 3
Payoffs
P1
3
P2
3

Mutual cooperation yields a good outcome for both.

What the Prisoners Dilemma Means

The Prisoners Dilemma shows why two rational players may choose a strategy that is individually sensible but collectively worse than cooperation.

How to Read the Payoff Matrix

  1. Choose cooperate or defect for each player.
  2. Read the resulting payoff pair from the matrix.
  3. Compare the result to mutual cooperation and mutual defection.
  4. Notice when the Nash equilibrium is not the best joint outcome.
payoff pair = (P1, P2)

Worked Example

Example: If both players defect, each receives 1.

Defect / Defect = (1, 1)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nash equilibrium here?

Mutual defection is the Nash equilibrium in the classic version.

Is cooperation ever better?

Yes. Mutual cooperation gives a better combined result than mutual defection.

Does this model real-world behavior?

It is a simplified model that helps explain strategic decision-making.

Can the payoffs be changed?

This version uses the standard classic payoff matrix.

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