I got into science fiction by being interested in astronomy first.
A good plan isn't one where someone wins, it's where nobody thinks they've lost.
Smaller-than-Medium-Jock-but-bigger-than-Wee-Jock-Jock
Seeing, contrary to popular wisdom, isn't believing. It's where belief stops, because it isn't needed any more.
If you try to to take my bananas from me, I will reclaim them from your cold dead hands.
It was the heart of any scam or fiddle -- keep the punter uncertain, or, if he is certain, make him certain of the wrong thing.