Games People Play

Forty years ago, Games People Play revolutionized our understanding of what really goes on during our most basic social interactions.

We play games all the time—sexual games, marital games, power games with our bosses, and competitive games with our friends. Detailing status contests like “Martini” (I know a better way), lethal couples combat like “If It Weren’t For You” and “Uproar,” and flirtation favorites like “The Stocking Game” and “Let’s You and Him Fight,” Dr. Berne exposes the secret ploys and unconscious maneuvers that rule our intimate lives.

We think we’re relating to other people—but actually we’re all playing games. Explosive when it first appeared, Games People Play is widely recognized as the most original and influential popular psychology book of our time. It’s as powerful and eye-opening as ever.