So Long Sucker (1964)

So Long Sucker

So Long Sucker is a board game invented in 1950 by Mel Hausner, John Nash, Lloyd Shapley, and Martin Shubik. It is a four-person bargaining/economic strategy game. The game was originally named “Fuck You, Buddy” by Nash, but it was later changed to “So Long Sucker”. The game takes approximately 60 minutes to play.

Why is So Long Sucker Popular?

So Long Sucker is significant because it is one of the earliest examples of a game that uses game theory, which is the study of mathematical models of strategic interaction among rational decision-makers. The game is also notable because it requires players to make agreements with each other that are ultimately unenforceable, and to win, players must eventually go back on such agreements. This makes the game a good example of how game theory can be used to model real-world situations where trust is important.

Game Components of So Long Sucker

Game boardChips (7 per player)Rulebook

Game Setup of So Long Sucker

Four players are required.Each player starts with seven chips.

Gameplay Mechanics of So Long Sucker

Players attempt to acquire all the other players’ chips.Coalitions, or agreements to cooperate, are permitted, and may take any form.There is no penalty for failure to live up to an agreement.Players are freely allowed to confer only at the table during the game–no secret or prior agreements are allowed.

Game Objective of So Long Sucker

The objective of the game is to acquire all the other players’ chips.

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