[doctor_eval]

Yeah I agree with this. I think it’s important to put the necessary facts on the table, along with your claim or gambit, but to hold back on the detail until you work out which way the wind is blowing.

I’ve had people tell me outright lies, which puts them in a difficult negotiating position when you can prove it. But the lies would not have been told (and my negotiating position not strengthened) if all the evidence was laid out up front.

Hiding information from an adversary has few downsides, as long as you keep your goals clear. You can always provide more information later. But you can never take information back.