What are Strategies?
A strategy is a systematic plan of action in competitive, cooperative, or uncertain environments. Good strategy doesn’t just ask “what should I do?” — it asks “how will adversaries, markets, and environments respond?” and positions accordingly.Strategy is applied game theory — your optimal choice depends on everyone else’s choices.This category covers 35 core strategies, organized into four groups:
- Game Theory Strategies: rational choices in competition and cooperation
- Business Strategies: frameworks for market competition and growth
- Risk & Decision Strategies: tools for managing uncertainty
- Execution Strategies: translating strategy into ground-level action
Game Theory Strategies
Tit-for-Tat
Cooperate first, then mirror your opponent’s last move
Win-Win Strategy
Seek solutions where all parties benefit
Zero-Sum Thinking
One party’s gain is exactly another’s loss
Minimax Strategy
Minimize the maximum possible loss in adversarial situations
Dominant Strategy
A strategy that is optimal regardless of what opponents do
Grim Trigger
Cooperate until betrayal, then defect permanently
Madman Theory
Gain negotiating leverage by appearing unpredictable or irrational
Commitment Device
Pre-commit to a course of action to eliminate the temptation to defect
Schelling Point
A natural focal point that people converge on without explicit communication
Brinkmanship
Push a dangerous situation to the edge to force a favorable outcome
BATNA
Know your Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement — it is your true leverage
Business Strategies
Blue Ocean Strategy
Create uncontested new market space instead of competing in existing markets
Red Ocean Strategy
Win in existing markets by out-competing rivals
First-Mover Advantage
The strategic dividend of entering a market or category first
Fast Follower
Let others pioneer; rapidly improve on their approach
Disruptive Innovation
Enter from the low end; climb upward to disrupt the incumbent
Platform Strategy
Build a platform that connects multiple user groups and captures network effects
Loss Leader
Accept losses on one product to acquire customers and profit on others
Signaling
Use observable actions to communicate private information credibly
Exit, Voice & Loyalty
Three responses to organizational decline: leave, speak up, or stay loyal
Risk & Decision Strategies
Barbell Strategy
Combine extreme safety with extreme risk — avoid the vulnerable middle
Hedging
Reduce risk by taking offsetting positions
Optionality
Maximize the number of future options; delay irreversible commitments
Asymmetric Risk-Reward
Seek situations where potential upside far exceeds potential downside
Minimum Effective Dose
The smallest input that produces the desired effect
Strategic Patience
Deliberately wait for better conditions before acting
Burning the Boats
Eliminate the retreat option to strengthen commitment and signal resolve
Execution Strategies
Divide and Conquer
Break complex problems or opponents into manageable parts
Flanking Strategy
Attack from the weakest point rather than head-on
Attrition Strategy
Wear down the opponent through sustained, relentless pressure
Trojan Horse
Conceal true intent within something that appears harmless or beneficial
Anchoring Strategy
Make the first extreme offer in a negotiation to set the frame
Decoy Strategy
Introduce a third option to make your preferred option more attractive
Salami Tactics
Achieve a major goal through a series of small, incremental steps
Pincer Movement
Attack simultaneously from two sides to create decisive pressure