This paper is the first of a two-part survey on noncooperative game theory relevant to agricultural markets. Part 1 discusses types of noncooperative games and reviews important developments in noncooperative game theory solution concepts, including Nash equilibrium, subgame perfect equilibrium, and perfect Bayesian equilibrium. Strengths and weaknesses of game theory as a modelling tool are also assessed. Part 2 of the survey will discuss specific applications to agricultural markets.