The key is to begin by playing your own game but have a little eye on your opponent.

BBC: Padraig Harrington Q&A

But that becomes a problem if your opponent happens to be a former police chief.

CNN: Play Of The Week

At home you are competing only against your opponent with nothing or very little at stake but at a major tournament you are competing against your nerves, pressure and a highly skilled opponent which has made many a gamer let the whole event get the better of him or her.

BBC: Pro gamers fight for recognition

It is no bad thing to try and upset your opponent's bowling plans, but England's first priority should have been to get their own plans right.

BBC: Jonathan Agnew column

But don't expect the American people to buy into your faux anger when your opponent is questioning how you would have acted when you yourself have provided the words that lead to that legitimate doubt.

CNN: GOP's 'faux anger' is all the rage

If your opponent plays the center square, you can always force a draw, but if he plays anything else, you can win.

FORBES: How To Win At (Nearly) Everything

But if the old adage is right, that in politics you need to define yourself before your opponent does, then the Romney campaign will need to more fully explain his time at Bain, including why he made millions even as he fired workers and closed companies, denying workers their health care and pensions.

CNN: Focus group shows Bain image hurting Romney