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Deadlock (game theory)

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An example payoff matrix for Deadlock
c 1, 1 0, 3
d 3, 0 2, 2

In game theory, Deadlock is a game where the action that is mutually most beneficial is also dominant. This provides a contrast to the Prisoner's Dilemma where the mutually most beneficial action is dominated. This makes Deadlock of rather less interest, since there is no conflict between self-interest and mutual benefit.

General definition[edit]

c a, b c, d
d e, f g, h

Any game that satisfies the following two conditions constitutes a Deadlock game: (1) e>g>a>c and (2) d>h>b>f. These conditions require that d and D be dominant. (d, D) be of mutual benefit, and that one prefer one's opponent play c rather than d.

Like the Prisoner's Dilemma, this game has one unique Nash equilibrium: (d, D).


  • C. Hauert: Effects of space in 2 x 2 games. Int. J. Bifurc. Chaos 12 (2002) 1531-1548.
  • H.-U. Stark: Dilemmas of partial cooperation. Evolution 64 (2010) 2458–2465.

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