No permanent friends, no permanent enemies, only permanent interests

It’s not just about considering your own eternal interests; you also have to consider the ever-changing interests of others at all times.

Just like playing mahjong: you can’t only think about what tiles you’re going to draw or meld—you also need to figure out what your next opponent is after, what the player across from you might claim, and what the player above you might throw out.

Only when you consistently anticipate where others’ interests lie in the next phase can you adjust your direction in advance and thus play with confidence at the table.