Their graphic and dilemma are nonstandard and do not match, for anyone confused by the graphic. The normal formulation of the problem is:

- If A and B each betray ('snitch' in the article) the other, each of them serves 10 years in prison.

- If A betrays B but B remains silent, A will be set free and B will serve life in prison (and vice versa).

- If A and B both remain silent, both of them will only serve 1 year in prison (on the lesser charge).

In the article, the prisoners are given three choices: Silence, Betrayal, and Confession, which confuses the issue, and the graphic provides only Silence and Confession, which further produces confusion.

Perhaps the modern formulation is too indoctrinated with plea bargaining?