The original trust problem
Prisoner's Dilemma
New to the game? Read the theory, then come back to play.
How to play
1. Situation
You and a stranger are questioned separately. You cannot talk.
2. Your move
Each round, stay silent or inform. They choose at the same time.
3. Scoring
Both silent pays well. Informing while they stay silent pays you most — and them least. If you both inform, you both get a middling sentence.
Payoff matrix
| They stay silent | They inform | |
|---|---|---|
| You stay silent | 3 / 3you / them | 0 / 5you / them |
| You inform | 5 / 0you / them | 1 / 1you / them |