tactics
Plans for winning
Tactics are the specific methods or maneuvers used to achieve an immediate objective, especially in military contexts where they contrast with strategy—the broader plan.
A general's strategy might be to cut off supply lines; the tactics are how troops actually do it.
The word extends to any calculated moves: negotiating tactics, scare tactics, delay tactics.
Someone tactical thinks in terms of immediate advantage rather than long-term goals.
Gap or start
- endgameConcluding phase of competition
- checkmateInescapable capture position
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- forkTined eating tool
pin · skewer · gambit · zugzwang · fianchetto · sacrifice · tempo · development
At the sides of
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- encirclementSurrounding enemy forces completely
- pincerGrasping claw organ
- feintDeceptive mock attack
guerrilla · raid · siege · reconnaissance · fortification · retreat · advance · infiltration
Creation or arrangement
- markingIndicating with symbols
- pressingRequiring immediate attention
- counterattackOffensive response to aggression
- set piecePrearranged dramatic sequence
offside trap · zonal defense · man-to-man · playbook · blitz · screen · pick and roll · fast break
Hostile, provocative conduct
- kitingAirborne recreation or fraud
- campingOutdoor recreational lodging
- rushQuick sudden movement
- turtleShell-encased reptile
cheese · micro · macro · positioning · combo · punish · zoning · mixup
Discussion seeking mutual accord
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- timingArt of choosing moments
- pricingEstablishing monetary amounts charged
bundling · anchoring · concession · deadline pressure · good cop bad cop · escalation · coalition building · BATNA
opening
Gap or start
- endgameConcluding phase of competition
- checkmateInescapable capture position
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
fork · pin · skewer · gambit · zugzwang · fianchetto · sacrifice · tempo · development · castling
flanking
At the sides of
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- encirclementSurrounding enemy forces completely
- pincerGrasping claw organ
feint · guerrilla · raid · siege · reconnaissance · fortification · retreat · advance · infiltration · diversion
formation
Creation or arrangement
- markingIndicating with symbols
- pressingRequiring immediate attention
- counterattackOffensive response to aggression
set piece · offside trap · zonal defense · man-to-man · playbook · blitz · screen · pick and roll · fast break · full-court press
aggro
Hostile, provocative conduct
turtle · cheese · micro · macro · positioning · combo · punish · zoning · mixup · tech
negotiation
Discussion seeking mutual accord
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- timingArt of choosing moments
pricing · bundling · anchoring · concession · deadline pressure · good cop bad cop · escalation · coalition building · BATNA · lowball
- military termsarmy, navy, air force, marines, soldier
- approachesapproach, approaches, method, methods, way
- combat idiomsstab in the back, dodge a bullet, in the crosshairs, fire away, take a shot
- game tacticspositioning, decision making, counterplay, defensive play, timing
- military sciencewarfare, military theory, military operations, combat training, military history
- military studiesmilitary doctrine, military history, military leadership, military law, campaign planning
tacticsstrategy
Planned approach to goals
strategies · grand strategy · strategic vision · long-term planning · master plan
tacticsimprovisation
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
spontaneity · randomness · instinct · winging it · aimlessness
tacticshonesty
Truthfulness, sincerity
straightforwardness · directness · transparency · candor · forthrightness
- strong-arm tacticsAggressive pressure methods
- guerilla tacticsAsymmetric combat by mobile fighters
- hit-and-run tacticsAttack and immediately withdraw
- scare tacticsMethods using alarm to influence
- sales tacticMethod to persuade buyers
- tactical trainingInstruction in operational techniques
tactic, tactile, tactical, tactician, tactically, tactility, tacticians