Professionals don´t always play minimax: evidence from Latin America’s soccer leagues

Authors

  • Aquiles Antonio Arrieta Investigador Independiente

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32826/cude.v43i123.191

Keywords:

Minimax, Nash equilibrium, Mixed-strategy

Abstract

This paper seeks to provide empirical evidence for the minimax theorem from data set of penalty kicks in matches in several leagues of professional soccer in Latin America. In line with most of the literature on the topic, the results indicate that the implications of equilibrium are not fully met. Particularly, some players seem to display significant dependence on the past choices of their opponents. These facts show that the experience is not the only key factor to play a minimax strategy in the real ground. The context and cognitive skills are also relevant.

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Published

2020-06-19