Start with the situation or attach a document. Everything else is optional. The tool should stay fast, then get smarter only when extra detail helps.
Optional
Target
Best realistic outcome
What would a good deal look like if things go well?
Optional
BATNA
Fallback if no deal
What would you do instead, and what would make you walk? Even a rough fallback helps.
Optional
Their likely priorities
Likely priorities, pressures, intangibles
Budget, speed, certainty, precedent, fairness, face, relationship, internal politics, risk, timing… even a rough guess helps.
Optional
Issues
Use this only if there are a few real levers in play. My priority = how much the issue matters to you. Preferred outcome = the condition you would like on that issue. Red line / trade-back point = where you would need something meaningful in return, or no deal. Tradable? = whether this issue can move to protect something more important.
Common issues include price or pay, timing, scope, workload, title, location, precedent, process, or future work.
Optional
Others behind the table?
Only use this if internal approvals, stakeholders, or constituency pressure could shape what happens at the table.
Start with the situation or attach a file. Add BATNA, issues, or team context only when it improves the read.
Output
Chesspieces will appear here.
You will first get a quick read of the negotiation, then a few situational plays. Click a chesspiece to see the selected line open just below the cards: why it fits, what it depends on, how to run it, and what to watch for.
Analyzing
Working through the situation.
Reading the notes, checking the structure, and ranking the lines to play.
Reading notes and files
Diagnosing structure
Building lines to play
Final check
Read of the negotiationMixed / phased
Chesspieces
Possible lines to play
Select a piece. The gold card is the active line, and the selected line opens just below with what to say, ask, and watch for.
Selected line
â™›
Queen
Balanced package
Strongest fit
Say this firstAsk this nextWatch for
Tactics
Why this fits
What this depends on
Strategy & process
If they go hardball
Follow-up
Ask a negotiation follow-up
Keep it to strategy, tactics, BATNA, standards, packaging, hardball, or what to say next.
Uses your notes, attached files, and the current line.