Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1029IR // #c1029Synthesis

"'Then you won't mind a contingent agreement. Your client will agree to make child support payments. We'll provide that if, for some inexplicable reason which you estimate at zero percent probability, he misses two payments, my client will get the equity in the house… and your client will no longer be liable for child support.' It is not easy for the husband's lawyer to object."

— In our words · Source: Getting to Yes (Roger Fisher, William Ury & Bruce Patton)

[Use when]

The other side insists something will never happen and you need a guarantee anyway.

[Why it matters]

Don't argue about trust. Propose a bet on their own certainty: if they are as sure as they claim, the penalty costs them nothing, and refusing it exposes the bluff.

More from Getting to Yes

#c1013"The Soviet Union finally agreed to three inspections. The United States insisted on no less than ten. And there the talks broke down —…Two sides are dug in on competing figures and nobody has defined what the figures mean. #c1014"Sadat flew to the capital of his enemies, a disputed capital which not even the United States, Israel's best friend, had recognized.…The negotiation is stuck because the other side's image of you makes agreement unthinkable. #c1015"Terms negotiated between a major city and its Hispanic community on municipal jobs were unacceptable to the mayor — until the agreement…The other side agrees with the deal but cannot be seen agreeing with you.