The problem bar "El Farol" is a problem within the framework of game theory. Is based on a real story that took place in a bar in the city of Santa Fe (New Mexico) called "El Farol" and was initially raised by economist Brian Arthur in 1994. The problem statement is as follows: In Santa Fe there is a finite number of people. On Thursday night, everyone wants to go to the Bar "El Farol". However, "El Farol" is a very small local, and it is nice to go if you are full. Thus, the following "rules" in place:
- If less than 60% of the population is going to the bar, then it's more fun to go to the bar to stay home.
- If more than 60% of the population is going to the bar, is less fun then go to the bar to stay home.
Unfortunately, everyone needs to decide whether to go or not go to the bar while and can not wait to see how many people before they have decided to go.
deterministic strategies
The importance of the problem is that no matter which method (deterministic) follow each person to decide what to do: if worldwide uses the same method it is guaranteed that the method will be ineffective:
- If everyone uses the same method and this suggests that the bar not be full, then everyone will come, so the bar will full.
- Similarly, if everyone uses the same method and this suggests that the bar will full, then no one will come and, therefore, the bar not be full, is empty.
problem variants
Some variations of the problem, it allows people to communicate with each other before deciding whether to go or not to bar. However, it is not required to tell the truth. A generalized version of the problem of the bar "El Farol" is the game of the minority.
The same analysis could apply to the dilemma facing every Sunday thousands of drivers trying to avoid traffic jams on roads entering the big cities. If everyone uses the same method to decide which is the best time to reach your city, inevitably all fall into the jam.
