Split or claim: rules and printable materials

Choose secretly between split and claim, then apply the same published point matrix.

Players

2 / 4 / 6 / 8

Plan for

10–15 minutes

Bring

Two choice slips per player, payoff table and four-round log

Agree this is only a game

Play with exactly 2,4,6 or 8 people in independent pairs. With an odd number, choose a different game or let a willing observer stay unscored until a new four-round session; do not add a third decision-maker mid-session. Give each player one SPLIT slip and one CLAIM slip. Show the full payoff matrix before starting. Both SPLIT gives 3 points each. Both CLAIM gives 1 each. A CLAIM against SPLIT gives 4 to the claimant and 0 to the splitter. These are fictional points, never money, gifts, penalties or promises outside the activity.

Lock one choice together

For each of four rounds, choose a slip privately and place it face down. Once both are down, reveal together. No changes after either reveal. Keep the other slip hidden until the round is scored so the choice remains genuine. Allow a player to stop the pair activity before the next round; do not force a choice or call a pass a zero.

Apply the same matrix

Example: in round one, Alex chooses CLAIM and Robin chooses SPLIT. Alex records 4 and Robin 0. In round two both choose SPLIT, adding 3 each: totals become 7 and 3. A later CLAIM does not remove points already recorded. If a choice is accidentally revealed before both have locked, discard and replay that round with no points.

Make discussion explicit

Round one is silent. Before rounds two to four, allow up to thirty seconds of conversation, then choices are secret again. Spoken plans are not enforceable contracts and cannot involve outside rewards. The rule about conversation stays identical for both players. Do not rank people as trustworthy, selfish or good teammates from their choices; the matrix is a fictional decision exercise.

Finish after four rounds

Total each person’s points and, separately, the pair’s combined total. Report both rather than inventing a prize or psychological conclusion. Equal individual totals tie; pairs at separate tables are not ranked because their discussions differ. Ask what the displayed payoffs encouraged, and let people decline discussion. The printable log has four rounds and an optional reflection line without names.

Printable materials

Preview at 100% scale, with browser headers and footers off. Cut with suitable help. Keep host keys separate. This is a manual tabletop kit, not an online opponent, automatic judge or solver.