About the Course
Humans tend to make decisions based on emotions, rather than using cold, hard math—but when we learn to use strategy in decision-making, we can make more rational choices, minimize biases, and achieve better long-term outcomes. In this course, we will study game theory through experiments, competitions, mathematical analysis, and discussions, and then use what we’ve learned to model, evaluate, and predict outcomes of strategic behavior in the real world. By engaging in simulations, problem sets, collaboration, and independent research, we’ll learn to describe prototype games such as the Prisoner’s Dilemma and Stag Hunt, and how to explain formal concepts such as players, strategies, payoffs, dominance, backward induction, and equilibrium. Additionally, we will learn to identify and evaluate Nash equilibria of simultaneous and sequential games and model and analyze real-world strategic interactions as formal games.
The content in Game Theory and Strategy overlaps with the CTY course Game of Life: The Theory of Strategic Behavior. Students who have already taken Game of Life: The Theory of Strategic Behavior may wish to consult with an enrollment advisor before enrolling in this course.
Learning Objectives
- Apply basic concepts of probability to strategic decision-making
- Describe the factors that impact an individual’s decisions
- Explain how to mathematically model real-world decision scenarios by applying the methods of game theory
- Solve for equilibria in normal-form and extensive-form games
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
Online
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Wed for 7 weeks
Times: 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Register by: December 15, 2025
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Wed for 7 weeks
Times: 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Register by: February 17, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time Commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid