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Super‐Nash Performance

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  • Mehmet S. Ismail

Abstract

In this paper, I introduce a novel benchmark in games, super‐Nash performance, and a solution concept, optimin, whereby players maximize their minimal payoff under unilateral profitable deviations by other players. Optimin achieves super‐Nash performance in that, for every Nash equilibrium, there exists an optimin where each player not only receives but also guarantees super‐Nash payoffs under unilateral profitable deviations by others. Furthermore, optimin generalizes Nash equilibrium in n$n$‐person constant‐sum games and coincides with it when n=2$n=2$. Finally, optimin is consistent with the direction of non‐Nash deviations in games in which cooperation has been extensively studied.

Suggested Citation

  • Mehmet S. Ismail, 2025. "Super‐Nash Performance," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 66(4), pages 1487-1503, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:iecrev:v:66:y:2025:i:4:p:1487-1503
    DOI: 10.1111/iere.12764
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mehmet Mars Seven, 2026. "Correlated optimin," Papers 2605.19129, arXiv.org.
    2. Shaun Hargreaves Heap & Mehmet Mars Seven, 2026. "How damaging is zero-sum thinking to an agent's interests when the world is positive-sum?," Papers 2604.19359, arXiv.org.

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