uwloo

ECON 212Introduction to Game Theory

Units
0.50
Faculty
Arts
Subject
Economics

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 5 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

Game theory analyzes the strategic interaction between agents. It has applications in various fields including economics, law, political science, biology, and computer science. This course introduces the basic tools of game theoretic analysis and examines applications such as auctions, business strategy, and curbing carbon emissions. The course includes an experiential learning component where students play strategic games against each other.

Prerequisites

  • Students must be in level 2A or higher

Antirequisites

None listed.

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Fall 2026 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 001346896 / 100MW 11:30–12:50

Reviewed on UW Flow

92% liked it48% easy83% useful

From 39 ratings and 22 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • It's not heavy workload. You just need to think a lot. For the final exam, practice problem don't help much because they are quite different. It really depends on the people. If you naturally get this kind of stuff, you can get a super high mark by just looking over slides and follow the examples on the slides.
    The curve on the overall grade was super super generous. I took this for the games and I almost regretted after calculating my midterm and game grades before the final. But the curve changed everything

    Apr 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • One of my fave courses I've taken - super interesting content that's a good mix between theory and practical applications. Course is structured with weekly games you play against the class, and then a midterm and final that are challenging but fair. Solving the problems require some amount of "intuition", so it's kinda similar in that regard to MATH 135 for any math kids planning to take this.

    Apr 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Ridiculously long and kinda hard midterm and final, but Joel curves it generously. No assignments, there are weekly games that are worth 35% in total. They're really fun to think through and try to find the best play to make given your predictions of what the rest of the class will do. Course content itself is quite intuitive for the most part, especially if you come from a math background. Overall really fun and interesting course.

    Apr 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • favourite course in undergrad, the weekly games are rlly fun and engaging. The in-class competition was fun incentive, but not too stressful.
    midterm and final exams can be tricky though.

    Jan 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • this course doesn't have a high workload, but sometimes you have to think, but its usually pretty easy

    Dec 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

98 posts and comments in 81 threads mention ECON 212, February 2016 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.

Fall 2024

I will pay you 50$ for your seat in ECON212 112 points, 15 comments

u/poiuy5: “i’ve been wanting to take intro to game theory as an elective since first year (engineering),, but i was too sleepy after my exams to remember to enroll in the course early. if you have a seat in the course or were even considering dropping it, please let me have it. …”

u/Intelligent-Show-815: “U can also take co 456”

u/Maremesscamm: “If Econ212 is full, I’m sure 456 will be too”

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Winter 2024

Is the CS degree even worth it? 5 points, 11 comments

“Just finished my 1B in CS, and I'm not too sure if I want to continue in this program. Back when I was applying to universities I applied for mostly math programs, and CS at Waterloo was the only CS …”

u/positivity_nerd: “… For non-math, take econ 212 which is game theory.”

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Fall 2023

Econ 212 1 point, 1 comment

u/SadLogarithm: “I am in my last study term and I really want to take this course. I have been trying to get into this course since August. I contacted the Econ Advisors and they asked me to wait until the reserves were removed to enrol. …”

u/False-Violinist4459: “If you want me to take your online econ 212 classes , you can reach out to me at ☎ 323-617-5932 and WhatsApp me at : +1 (623) 663-2871 !”

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Spring 2023

Declaring my major 3 points, 11 comments

“Just finished first year math @ UW and have yet to declare my major. I am not too sure what to pick at this point. …”

u/hctiBknirD: “… In 2A I took those 4 + econ212 (birdish course) and still found that to be one of my more difficult terms. …”

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Winter 2023

Biggest curve you've been gifted with 67 points, 36 comments

“Seeing some of the reactions to marks being released has me thinking. What was the biggest curve you ever received? Exam or course wise. Let's give some hope to others. …”

u/ClarkeVice: “When I took ECON 212 in F21, the midterm had a +23 curve, and based on my final mark and what I knew going into the final and what I couldn’t answer, the final had a similar curve (likely somewhere in the 20-25% range). …”

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Math major confusion 2 points, 13 comments

“Hey, so I’m thinking what major I wanna graduate in (math program). After doing cs136, I don’t think I want to further take any other Cs course because it was just too much for me. …”

u/im_garbage: “… is a possible prereq for CO372, and CO456's Game Theory is a more mathematical approach to ECON212. …”

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Fall 2022

Spring 2022

Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar