Game theory
The politics, economics, science and statistical analysis of the games we play and watch
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20200229_BLP504.jpg)
Bury, six feet under
Football marks the boundary between England’s winners and losers
As cities enjoy the Premier League’s riches, smaller clubs in Brexit-supporting towns are struggling
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20191130_WOC578.png)
The not-so-special one
Data suggest José Mourinho is as likely to flop at Spurs as to succeed
Football managers make less difference than many people think
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20191026_blp903.jpg)
Blossoming talent
Japan’s Rugby World Cup success was improbable. Can it keep it up?
Impressive upsets have happened before. Building on these victories will be trickier
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20191019_blp902.jpg)
Climate change stops play
Typhoon Hagibis offers a glimpse of sport’s stormy future
Some extreme weather events are becoming more severe. Organisers need to adapt
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20191019_blp903.jpg)
A leg up
Eliud Kipchoge’s historic sub-two-hour marathon will carry an asterisk
Artificial running conditions and special shoes helped him breach athletics’ last great barrier
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190921_BLP501.jpg)
A long draw
Against expectations, this year’s Ashes were a slow-burning classic
Two similarly weak sides produced several low-scoring but tense matches
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190921_MAP502.jpg)
Boks clever
Chester Williams stood against South African rugby’s racism
The World Cup winner helped to tackle prejudice in the sport, but inequality persists
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190907_BLP503.jpg)
Net exporters
South American football clubs are missing out on European riches
The continent is receiving fewer eye-catching transfer fees, despite producing as many stars as ever
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190810_BLP501.jpg)
The new Bradman
Steve Smith’s batting shows that sporting genius can be learned
Nature makes gifted athletes, but nurture turns them into all-time greats
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190810_BLP510.jpg)
Toppling the top two
Man City’s and Liverpool’s rivals have copied their transfer strategy
The Premier League’s big clubs are increasingly buying young players from smaller teams
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190803_BLP503.jpg)
Not up to the Test
The Ashes will feature the weakest pair of cricket teams in decades
England and Australia are well-matched, but rely on several mediocre players
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190713_BLP510.jpg)
More than just a game
Why New Zealand’s other All Blacks matter
The Maori All Blacks are a source of rugby-playing pride in a community that has struggled economically