A trigger strategy usually applied to repeated prisoner's dilemmas in which a player begins by cooperating in the first period, and continues to cooperate
until a single defection by her opponent, following which, the player defects forever. Grim trigger is a severe trigger strategy since a single defection brings about an eternal end to cooperation, in contrast to the much more forgiving tit for tat.
updated: 15 August 2005
HOW TO CITE THIS ENTRY
- To learn more:
- Play the repeated prisoner's dilemma on the applets page.
- See news articles about the prisoner's dilemma.
- The Prisoner's dilemma is featured in many movies.
- Take an online quiz on trigger strategies.