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During my studies (conflict resolution), I had the opportunity to ask several mediators and negotiators who had worked on high-profile political cases about lying.

It occurred often, but was by far the least favorite item in the toolbox of a negotiator. Many would rather make emotional / moral appeals to the opposing side than lie.

Not because it wasn't effective (in some cases it could be quite effective), but because the results were very unpredictable. Being called out may undermine the rest of their position... or if they stuck to the lie to avoid this situation they may force themselves into defending a non-ideal positions.

It gets worse! There are now a lot more variables for you to consider, as the hitherto rational party on the other side of the table has been forced to question all of your statements. He is now much more likely to miscalculate true statements and positions as being false. You've now turned your negotiation partner into an (effectively) irrational actor.



Then again, in Poker, honesty is not really a winning strategy.


Actually, for most hands, honesty is helpful for arbitraging risk.

You need lying in poker, but it should be the exception. No one will buy your biggest bluffs otherwise.


How is that fundamentally different from lying outside of poker?


Poker lies are short lived. Once the hand is over, it is done. But in real life you have to remember and maintain your lies. It takes a toll.


With poker, the thrill from the risk of getting caught is often why you play the game.


Then again, Poker is a zero-sum game. Life isn't.


My point is that Poker and other zero-sum-games are within the set of "stuff in life". Life is not simply composed of "conflict resolution".




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