This paper discusses revenue inequalities, utility equivalence, and a model of competition in auction design in symmetric equilibrium of k-price auctions, <InlineEquation ID="Equ1"> <EquationSource Format="TEX">$k\ge 1$</EquationSource> </InlineEquation>, all in the setup of symmetric independent-private-value auctions. Our recommendation to organizers of auctions is to conduct...</equationsource></inlineequation>

A mediator is a reliable entity which plays on behalf of the players who give her the right to play. The mediator acts in a pre-specified way based on messages received from the players. However, a mediator cannot enforce behavior; that is, players can play in the game directly without the...

We find that two-stage contests could be ineffective, namely, there is a higher chance of low-ability players participating (and winning) than high-ability players. However, imposing a fee on the winner can guarantee that the contest will be effective.