...I kid

But it occured to me that is how I sometimes see things, though it was actually thinking about how Geoff seems approach games that lead me to the ideas. Importantly, though, he is much better adjusted about it. Getting there!

Need to play more games. I still don't much want to, but I want to want to. That's good!

How to Win

First, focus on what matters. Find out what the key of the game is, and go for its thoat. Find your strategy, and go for it utterly. Don't dick around with any side stuff that might be useful or interesting. Focus. This is key to many video games - find the dominant tactic and do it as hard as you can. In board games, go for the stuff that improves your position early, and the stuff that determines the winner later. Do not deviate on this matter.

Then, don't settle. This is more of a board game thing. Make sure you've seen all the options, offer any possible deals, explore any allegiances that might help you, maybe make an offhanded remark that might discourage someone from making a move that might hurt you. Coasting kills.

In short, find every possible advantage you can, and apply that entire advantage exactly where its needed. Then you will probably win, but at least you'll be mildly miserable either way.