In game theory a move by nature is a decision or move in an extensive form game made by a player who has no strategic interests in the outcome. The effect is to add a player, 'Nature' whose practical role is to act as a random number generator. For instance, a game of Poker requires a dealer to choose which cards a player is dealt, the dealer plays the role of the Nature player
Fig.1 shows a signaling game which begins with a move by nature. Moves by nature are an integral part of games of incomplete information.
Famous quotes containing the words move and/or nature:
“If I cannot prevail upon heaven, I shall move hell.”
—Virgil [Publius Vergilius Maro] (70–19 B.C.)
“When we reflect upon the cruelties daily practised upon such of the animal creation as are given us for food, or which we ensnare for our diversion, we shall be obliged to own that there is more of the savage in human nature than we are aware of.”
—Samuel Richardson (1689–1761)