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An Experiment on Non-Zero Sum Colonel Blotto Games

Author

Listed:
  • Rafael Hortala-Vallve

    (London School of Economics)

  • Aniol Llorente-Saguer

    (Queen Mary University of London)

Abstract

We study a version of the Colonel Blotto game where valuations across battlefields are heterogeneous and asymmetric. These games can exhibit unique pure strategy equilibria, some of which are non-monotonic with respect to the battlefield valuations. We test our theoretical predictions in the laboratory and find low initial levels of equilibrium play but substantial learning throughout the experiment. Learning is higher for games with monotonic equilibria. Finally, we find that deviations from equilibrium predictions benefit aggregate welfare.

Suggested Citation

  • Rafael Hortala-Vallve & Aniol Llorente-Saguer, 2015. "An Experiment on Non-Zero Sum Colonel Blotto Games," Working Papers 779, Queen Mary University of London, School of Economics and Finance.
    • Handle: RePEc:qmw:qmwecw:779
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    File URL: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sef/media/econ/research/workingpapers/2015/items/wp779.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Duffy, John & Matros, Alexander, 2017. "Stochastic asymmetric Blotto games: An experimental study," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 88-105.
    2. Fehrler, Sebastian & Schneider, Maik T., 2021. "Buying supermajorities in the lab," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 113-154.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Colonel Blotto; Non-zero sum; Experiments;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D70 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - General

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