The Rancher's Dilemma: A Game Exploring the Implications of an Open Access System

The Rancher's Dilemma is a game developed to allow high school, college and adult students to experience problems associated with open access resources. Adapted from Garret Hardin's The Tragedy of the Commons , the game allows students to play the role of a rational and self‐interested rancher experiencing the demise of a common resource due to lack of regulation or management. As a follow‐up to the game, students are encouraged to think about the role of regulation and community management in maintaining a commons. A classroom trial of the game was conducted with three groups of college students who were taking a course on environmental ethics and conflict management. Student reflections help to illustrate how this game can be used as a basis for discussion on how individual self interest can destroy a common pool resource, and how collective management can aid in creating sustainable commons.