Act with more information
Also called Position, Wait and see, First offer.
Deciding after the other side has shown its hand is an advantage when their move tells you something you lack. When you already know the value, moving first can be the edge.
Poker builds a whole strategy on this: the player who acts last in a round sees what the others did. The chess version is keeping options open until the position tells you which plan fits.
Moving first and moving second each have their place. Move first when your move commits you or anchors the other side; move second when their move tells you something you lack. Ask which is true here. See also: lead or answer well.
Why it matters
Acting last means acting on more facts. Acting first pays when it commits you or anchors the other side: a first number in a negotiation pulls the outcome towards it.
Away from the game
When you know little about what something is worth, find out before you name a number: ask, or research the market. When you know the market, a confident, well-justified first offer usually helps you.
Try it yourself
A firm wants to buy a design you made and asks you to name a price. You have no idea what such work sells for, or what they can pay. What do you do first?
3 questions, a minute or two. Nothing to finish first.
Want more? Practise Read hidden information.
Learn and practise it
- Skill: Read hidden information