Course
Game Theory
Game theory: Nash equilibrium, cooperative games, incomplete information games, and applications in economics and politics
Part of the Mathematics track — finish it for a verifiable diploma →
§ 01 — Orientation
New here?
What you'll be able to do, who this is for, how long it takes, and where to begin.
By the end, you will be able to
- 01Find equilibria in strategic games.
- 02Handle games of incomplete information.
- 03Analyze cooperative games and coalitions.
- 04Apply game theory to economics and business.
- 05Model a real strategic conflict.
Who this is for
How long it takes
- Quick orientationSkim the opening module and the cheatsheet to get the shape of it.~2 h
- Full read-throughRead every article once, in order.~2 h
- Mastery pathRead, take the quizzes, and space out your reviews.~2 weeks
- APA
Stoa. (2026). Game Theory [Online course]. Stoa. https://stoa.school/course/game-theory
- MLA
Stoa. “Game Theory.” Stoa, 2026, https://stoa.school/course/game-theory.
- Chicago
Stoa. “Game Theory.” Stoa. Accessed August 31, 2026. https://stoa.school/course/game-theory.
§ 02 — Curriculum
5 modules.
Each module is a small unit. Most read in sequence — but a determined reader can begin anywhere.
- M IStrategic Games and Nash EquilibriumFundamentals of game theory: players, strategies, payoffs, and Nash equilibrium3 articles
18 minBegin → - M IIDynamic Games and Games with Incomplete InformationGame trees, backward induction, Bayesian games, and perfect equilibrium3 articles
18 minBegin → - M IIICooperative Game TheoryThe core, Shapley value, nucleolus, and coalition stability concepts3 articles
18 minBegin → - M IVMechanism Design and Auction TheoryDesigning game rules, revelation principle, auction formats3 articles
18 minBegin → - M VEvolutionary Game TheoryESS, replicator dynamics, learning in games, and behavioral extensions3 articles
18 minBegin →
§ 03 — Learning outcomes
4 outcomes.
Find Nash equilibria in normal and extensive form games
Analyze Bayesian equilibria and mechanism design
Compute the Shapley value and the core of cooperative games
Apply game theory to auctions, markets, bargaining, and politics
§ 04 — Practices