The difference between a finite game (play to win) and an infinite game (play to keep the game going and make it more interesting) throws up a decision about where exactly to play from.

One can play from a position of strengh, in order to win now. One can also play from a position of weakness, in order to plug gaps and win later. But it’s also possible to play from positions of (im)plausibility and (un)interestingness.

If one can do the latter, then a weird “the score takes care of itself” dynamic takes over and the deepened engagement that comes from playing from those infinite-orientated positions bleeds over to finite game play and bolsters outcomes.