Whether to play to win or avoid errors depends on whether you're in your area of expertise

The winner's game / loser's game distinction isn't fixed to a domain — it depends on your skill level relative to that domain. The same chess position is a winner's game for a grandmaster and a loser's game for a club player.

The practical rule: if you're operating inside your genuine area of expertise, go for the win. You have the skill to execute; aggressive play makes sense. Outside that area, flip the strategy — avoid errors, stay in play, let your opponent beat themselves.

Most people get this backwards. They go for high-variance moves in areas where they're clearly amateurs, and play it safe in the few areas where they actually have an edge.

Source claim: The correct strategy — seek wins vs. avoid errors — depends entirely on whether you're operating within your genuine area of competence.