4.5

Oligopoly and Game Theory

AP Microeconomics

Characteristics of Oligopoly

Mutual Interdependence

The Kinked Demand Curve Model

12345678910111212345678910111213141516Quantity$/unitKink (current P)MR gap topMR gap bottomD (elastic above)D (inelastic below)MR (upper)MR (lower)

Kinked demand creates a vertical gap in MR — MC can shift within this gap without changing price

The MR Gap

Game Theory Basics

Key Terms

The Prisoner's Dilemma

Payoff Matrix

Analysis

Collusion and Cartels

Why Collude?

Why Cartels Break Down

Nash Equilibrium

Dominant Strategy vs. Nash Equilibrium

Oligopoly Models Summary

AP Exam Tips

Common Mistakes