The Ultimate Herd Game Strategy Guide: How to Win Every Time
In most games, the goal is to be smarter, faster, or more strategic than your opponents. In herd games like Moojority, the goal is fundamentally different. You don't want to stand out. You don't want to be unique. You want to be aggressively average.
While this sounds simple ("just say what everyone else says"), the psychology behind herd game strategy is fascinatingly complex. Game theorists call this finding a Schelling Point: a solution that people will tend to use in the absence of communication, because it seems natural, special, or relevant to them.
What is a Schelling Point in Herd Games?
Named after economist Thomas Schelling, a Schelling Point is a solution people tend to choose by default when they cannot communicate. For example, if two strangers need to meet in New York City without prior arrangement, most would choose Grand Central Station at noon—it's the "obvious" choice. In herd games, finding these obvious answers is the key to winning.
Level 0 Thinking: The Herd Game Secret
In game theory, "Level 0" thinking means giving the most obvious, instinctive answer without overthinking. When asked "Name a yellow fruit," Level 0 thinking says "banana" immediately. Level 1 thinking might say "lemon" to be different. Level 2 might circle back to "banana" knowing everyone else will overthink it.
In herd games like Moojority, Level 0 almost always wins. Don't be clever. Be obvious.
Know Your Audience
The "correct" answer in any herd game changes based on who you're playing with. A group of movie buffs asked "Name a famous director" might all say "Spielberg" or "Tarantino." A casual group might say "whoever directed the last Marvel movie."
The Red Cow Trap
The biggest mistake new herd game players make is trying to be creative. If you're holding the Red Cow (the penalty for being the odd one out), you cannot win even if you hit the target score. Your only goal becomes matching the herd to pass it on.
Summary: How to Win Any Herd Game
- Think fast, think obvious: Your first instinct is usually the herd's instinct.
- Avoid obscure answers: "Technically correct" loses to "obviously common."
- Read the room: Adjust for your specific group's knowledge and humor.
- Don't hold the cow: If you have it, play safe until someone else messes up.