Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1033IR // #c1033Synthesis

"It is useful to identify one far from perfect agreement that is better than your BATNA. Before accepting any agreement worse than this trip-wire package, you should take a break and reexamine the situation."

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

[Use when]

You are sending an agent to negotiate, or you fear you will accept a bad deal in the heat of the moment.

[Why it matters]

A bottom line is rigid and invites brinkmanship. A trip wire is an early-warning package: anything worse triggers an automatic pause, so fatigue or pressure can't slide you below your real minimum.

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.