Centipede Game - Backward Induction

Game Theory Prediction

Take at Node 1

But experiments show cooperation!

Game Length (nodes): 6

Pot Multiplier: 2

Population: 100

Belief Update Rate: 0.10

Exploration (ε): 0.05

Games Played:0

Avg Stop Node:1.0

Pass Rate Node 1:0%

Full Cooperation:0%

Nash Plays:0%

About this simulation: The Centipede Game (Rosenthal, 1981) tests backward induction. Players alternate choosing to "Take" (end game, take larger pot share) or "Pass" (continue, pot grows). Backward induction says: take immediately at node 1. But experiments show humans cooperate, often passing until later nodes. This simulation evolves agents with beliefs about opponent cooperation levels, demonstrating the tension between theory and behavior.