Backgammon or Matkot? The Infinite Game.
What’s your favourite beach game—backgammon or Matkot?
Backgammon is a finite game; you play to win. There are clear rules, a known opponent, and the goal is to outperform them. Matkot, on the other hand, is an infinite game—no winners or losers, and the aim is to keep the ball in the air until the beach closes. For that, you need a good partner and a continuous drive to improve.
Backgammon or Matkot is a matter of personal preference. But in business, according to Simon Sinek, we should only be playing the infinite game. A finite game in business means getting stuck in the demanding mud of competing against rivals—until resources and motivation run out. In the infinite game, we’re not focused on beating the competition but on staying in the game.
“The best beer in the world”, “The World’s Favourite Airline”, “The World’s Best Bank” reflect the finite mindset. In an infinite game, we’re pursuing something bigger than just the product or service we’re selling—a purpose worth evolving for and making sacrifices for.
Just do it, Pursuing The Unknown, Perfection Has its Price—these are infinite stories of brands that chose to play the right game.
