Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M10140

Chicken Game

Chicken Game
DecideHigh supportGame Theory
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28

CORE DEFINITION

The game of chicken, also known as the hawk-dove game or snowdrift game, is a model of conflict for two players in game theory. The principle of the game is that while the ideal outcome is for one player to yield (to avoid the worst outcome if neither yields), individuals try to avoid it out of pride, not wanting to look like "chickens". The players may taunt each other to increase the shame of yielding.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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Reduce cognitive load

The game of chicken, also known as the hawk-dove game or snowdrift game, is a model of conflict for two players in game theory. The principle of the game is that while the ideal outcome is for one player to yield (to avoid the worst outcome if neither yields), individuals try to avoid it out of pride, not wanting to look like "chickens". The players may taunt each other to increase the shame of yielding.

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Both sides compete to not back down; whoever yields first loses (is the chicken), but if both hold out, they both suffer catastrophic consequences. It depicts the fragile balance of brinkmanship and deterrence.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_%28game%29ZH · Explicit
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