Efficient Uncoupled Learning Dynamics with $\tilde{O}\!\left(T^{-1/4}\right)$ Last-Iterate Convergence in Bilinear Saddle-Point Problems over Convex Sets under Bandit Feedback

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Authors: Arnab Maiti, Claire Jie Zhang, Kevin Jamieson, Jamie Morgenstern, Ioannis Panageas, Lillian J. Ratliff
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Abstract

In this paper, we study last-iterate convergence of learning algorithms in bilinear saddle-point problems, a preferable notion of convergence that captures the day-to-day behavior of learning dynamics. We focus on the challenging setting where players select actions from compact convex sets and receive only bandit feedback. Our main contribution is the design of an uncoupled learning algorithm that guarantees last-iterate convergence to the Nash equilibrium with high probability. We establish a convergence rate of $\tilde{O}(T^{-1/4})$ up to polynomial factors in problem parameters. Crucially, our proposed algorithm is computationally efficient, requiring only an efficient linear optimization oracle over the players' compact action sets. The algorithm is obtained by combining techniques from experimental design and the classic Follow-The-Regularized-Leader (FTRL) framework, with a carefully chosen regularizer function tailored to the geometry of the action set of each learner.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Bandit Algorithms Research Game Theory and Applications Stochastic Gradient Optimization Techniques

Publication details

Journal / source
arXiv (Cornell University)
Publication date
24 February 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Preprint