“No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique. If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are.”

At no point do you HAVE to make a trade. Trade negotiations can last days, weeks, maybe even longer, but even with the time that you’ve invested in getting something done, do not make a trade simply to get it done or because you’ve invested too much time into it. If the deal does not help your team or doesn’t feel right, there is nothing during a trade discussion that says you must come to a deal. Don’t put yourself in the situation where you have instant trade regret because you clicked accept after spending too much time on a deal or out of some sense of duty to the other team.

“There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.”

Understand that not every team in your league has a desire to trade. Many very successful fantasy owners prefer not to make trades and build their roster via the draft and waivers/FAAB/FA only.  There is nothing wrong with this approach and many players I respect adhere closer to this model.  Some of these people really won’t trade while others simply do not have or want to spend the time talking trades through.

If you are sending an offer to these owners in your leagues, I’d recommend that you use your best and final offer as you may not get a second chance to communicate with the team. Understand that without any form of trade communication, you will likely have to make it well worth it for them click accept.

In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.

We all want to play the game and see how much we can get out of a trade, but you have to realize that sometimes the easiest way is to start at a point much closer to your best and final rather than trying to work up to it.

At any point, if you get the offer you want, TAKE IT. Take some advice from the salespeople of the world and A.B.C., always be closing. On the other side, a bad trade offer can end your trade talks before they even begin, as well as, damage your ability to make trades in the future.