Question

Martha and Oleg are competitors in a local market and each is trying to decide if it is worthwhile to advertise. If both of them advertise, each will earn a profit of $5,000. If neither of them advertise, each will earn a profit of $10,000. If one advertises and the other doesn't, then the one who advertises will earn a profit of $8,000 and the other will earn $7,000. What is Martha's dominant strategy

Answer 1

Answer: Martha does not have a dominant strategy

Explanation:

A dominant strategy is one that a player can embark on and get the highest payoff regardless of the actions of their competitor.

In this scenario, there is no strategy that Martha can embark on that would provide the greatest payout regardless of Oleg's decision. If Martha advertises, Oleg makes the same amount advertising as well. If Martha does not advertise, Oleg would decide not to advertise as well and make the same amount.

Martha therefore has no dominant strategy as Oleg would make the same amount regardless of which decision is taken.