  A series of N-body simulations aimed to study the dynamics of small groups of
galaxies are presented. The properties of small galaxy groups are very well
reproduced, and those of Hickson's compact groups are well reproduced by the
most advanced stage of collapsing groups. We find no overmerging problem in our
simulations. An important fraction of groups (~40%) initially in virial
equilibrium can last for ~10 Gyr without complete merging. These results
provide an alternative solution to the overmerging expected in Hicksons's
compact groups.
