find a strategy that works

Sequential game -> draw a game tree
Simultaneous game -> construct a payoff table

Rule 1: look forward and reason backward
Rule 2: If you hav ea dominant strategy, use it
Rule 3: Eliminated dominated strategy from consideration
Rule 4: Look for an equilibrium, a pair of strategies in which each player's action is the best response to the other's.
Rule 5: In a game of pure conflict, if it would be disadvantage to let the opponent see your actual choice in advance, then you benefit by choosing at random from your pure strategies. The proportion in the mix should be such that the opponent cannot exploit your choice by pursuing any particular strategy available to him.

for constant sum game, use mixed strategy by introducing proportional randomness.

If the other player is dumb, create/find a focal point of discussion.

Everything you do sends a signal, including not sending a signal.