The dollar auction is a non-zero sum sequential game explored by economist Martin Shubik to illustrate a paradox brought about by traditional rational choice theory in which players are compelled to make an ultimately irrational decision based completely on a sequence of apparently rational choices made throughout the game. Wikipedia

Non-zero sum sequential game about auctioning a $1 bill with the rule that the 2nd-highest bidder also loses the bid amount; a paradox in which players make an ultimately irrational decision based on apparently rational choices Wikidata

A non-zero-sum sequential game designed to illustrate a paradox brought about by traditional rational-choice theory in which players are compelled to make an ultimately irrational decision based entirely on a sequence of apparently rational choices made throughout the game. It involves an auction for a dollar bill where the second-highest bidder loses the amount that they bid, making them the biggest loser in the auction. Wiktionary