Game theory and other disciplines in the competitive nature of existence are all the rage these days. This is to be expected, given the increasing role of business and competition in general in shaping the modern world. GAMES PEOPLE PLAY explores the much less machiavellian world of interpersonal games. It is a useful text in that it not only gives concrete descriptions of a plethora of games, it gives pointers for throwing them off balance and stopping them in their tracks. An interesting contrast and perhaps complement to the new brand of game theory. It is also perhaps the most readable book there is on the brand of psychology called transactional analysis.