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About A Smart BearThe winning strategy in Othello is to minimize your opponent's options, rather than maximizing your own. The same principle applies to competitive strategy.
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Design competitive moves that narrow rivals’ viable responses instead of merely expanding your own options. A focused position—built around a specific customer, advantage, or distribution channel—can force competitors into choices that are costly, slow, or inconsistent with their model.
Founders have limited resources. Creating more possibilities can dilute them, while constraining competitors can turn a focused investment into durable leverage.
For your next strategic decision, ask: “If we succeed, which options become less attractive or feasible for competitors—and what move would most increase that constraint?”
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