Strategy guide

Each decision has one clue-backed best answer. The feedback names the principle behind it.

Dominant choice

A choice that works at least as well against every possible response and better against at least one. For example, one safe route works whether a guard stays or leaves.

Best response

The strongest choice against the other party's likely move. For example, use the quiet door if the guard is likely to watch the main one.

Commitment

A deliberate limit on future options that makes a promise or plan believable. For example, hand over the only key to show you will not use it.

Credible threat

A warning backed by both the ability and the incentive to carry it out. For example, a guard can lock a door and wants to protect the room.

Signalling

An observable action that gives another party evidence about intentions or ability. For example, showing an empty hand can signal that you are unarmed.

Bluff detection

Testing a claim against the speaker's incentives, access and evidence. For example, check whether a caller could have seen the event they describe.

Information asymmetry

A difference in what each party knows that changes their choices. For example, you know the spare key is missing while the guard does not.

Risk under uncertainty

Choosing with incomplete information while weighing possible losses and gains. For example, compare a dark shortcut with a longer lit route.

Timing

Choosing when to act so that another party has fewer useful responses. For example, cross the hall while the guard checks another room.

Cooperation and trust

Building cooperation through verifiable actions and repeated follow-through. For example, return a borrowed tool as promised before asking for help again.

Sunk cost

Ignoring costs already paid when choosing what works best from now on. For example, leave a blocked route even after spending time reaching it.

Second-order thinking

Considering what another party thinks about the beliefs behind a move. For example, a guard may watch the side door because they expect you to think the main door is guarded.