Game Theory Origins and Playing Tips

The Concept

OutWord is a daily word game that draws inspiration from game theory, particularly concepts related to strategic thinking and crowd behavior. In OutWord, players are presented with a different short poem or poem excerpt each day and challenged to select a word they believe will be chosen least often by other players.

Game Theory Origins

The game is rooted in the principles of strategic thinking and behavioral economics, drawing inspiration from two famous game theory concepts:

1. The Minority Game: Developed as a simplified version of the “El Farol Bar” problem, the Minority Game involves players choosing between options, with those in the minority group winning. OutWord adapts this core concept to word selection in poetry.
2. Keynesian Beauty Contest: Introduced by economist John Maynard Keynes, this concept illustrates how people make decisions based not on their own preferences, but on their perceptions of others’ preferences. In the original analogy, Keynes compared the stock market to a newspaper contest where readers choose the six prettiest faces from 100 photographs, with the winner being the person whose choices most closely match the average preferences of all participants.
3. Guess 2/3 of the Average Game: This is a game where players choose a number between 0 and 100, and the winner is the person whose number is closest to 2/3 of the average of all numbers chosen. This game demonstrates how players must consider not just the obvious choice, but also what they think others will choose, and even what others think others will choose, creating layers of strategic thinking.

OutWord adapts these concepts to the realm of poetry and word choice, creating a unique and intellectually stimulating experience where players must balance their personal interpretation of the poem with their predictions of how others might approach the game.

How OutWord Works

1. Each day, a new poem is presented to all players.
2. Players read the poem and select one word they think will be chosen least often by other players.
3. Once all selections are made, the results are tallied.
4. Players who chose the least selected word (or words, in case of a tie) win that day’s game.

Tips for Playing OutWord

1. Read the Poem Carefully: Take time to understand the poem’s context, theme, and emotional tone. This can give you insights into which words might stand out to other players.
2. Look Beyond the Obvious: While rare or unusual words might seem like good choices, remember that other players might have the same idea. Sometimes, common words in unexpected contexts can be overlooked.
3. Consider Word Position: Words at the beginning or end of the poem, or at the end of lines, might catch more attention. Middle words or those within longer phrases might be less noticeable. But other players know that, too.
4. Think About Emotional Impact: Words that carry strong emotional weight might be more memorable to other players. Should you choose words that are more neutral or functional?
5. Analyze Past Results: Pay attention to the results from previous days. Are there patterns in the types of words that are frequently or rarely chosen?
6. Balance Intuition and Strategy: While it’s important to think strategically, don’t overthink your choice. Sometimes, your first instinct can be surprisingly effective.
7. Enjoy the Poetry: Remember that OutWord is not just a game, but also an opportunity to engage with poetry. Take pleasure in reading and interpreting the poems, regardless of your game performance.

The Beauty of OutWord

What makes OutWord truly special is how it combines literary appreciation with strategic thinking. It encourages players to engage deeply with poetry while also exercising their analytical and predictive skills. Whether you’re a poetry enthusiast, a strategy game lover, or simply looking for a unique daily challenge, OutWord offers a rewarding and thought-provoking experience.

So, dive in, enjoy the poetry, and may your word choices be ever unique!