Using Quantal Reponse to Compute Nash and Sequential Equilibria

Theodore L. Turocy
Department of Economics
Texas A&M University
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Abstract

The limit of any convergent sequence of logit quantal response equilbria is a Nash equilibrium in a strategic game, and the limit of any convergent sequence of agent quantal response equilibria is a sequential equilibrium of an extensive game. Using a logarithmic transformation of action probabilities, it is practical to compute such sequences, and thereby compute good approximations to Nash and sequential equilibria. This paper describes the algorithm to compute the sequences, and outlines the convergence and selection properties of the method.

Version history

Current version dated November 10, 2006. Available in: [pdf]

Software

The algorithm described in this paper has been implemented in Gambit.