This course introduces the main concepts of non cooperative game theory by using a hands-on approach, i.e. by presenting, discussing and solving examples.

Some well known normal form games, such as matching pennies, the prisoners' dilemma, the battle of sexes, and the game of chicken, will be discussed to introduce and apply concepts like Nash equilibrium in pure and mixed strategies, the elimination of dominated strategies, and repeated games.

Sequential games will also be described, by using an extensive form based on game trees. The notion of subgame perfect equilibrium will consequently be discussed.

Finally, some game tehoretical concepts will be used to describe the outcome of Cournot and Stackelberg duopoly, and the instability of a cartel.