How to win every trade you make

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Anyone with the most basic understanding of trading stocks or has ever read a single article on executing trades in any fantasy sport knows the saying inside and out:

Buy low, sell high!

While these are the fundamental goals of every trade, they're tough to accomplish when both sides are aware of the principles of what is happening. All trades should be sought after for the purpose of adding the most value to your team for the longest period of time. Whichever side accomplishes this goal wins the trade.

Grab your partner

Once you've identified the player(s) you want to trade for or trade away, you have to find a partner. Some managers are always more willing than others to make a deal, which comes with pros and cons. An over-eager manager could flood your inbox with trade proposals on a regular basis, with the quality of the trade generally ranging "Leave me alone" to "No, seriously, I'm blocking you."

At least you'll know they're available if and when you do want to make a deal.

Even worse than these types of owners are those who can't be bothered to respond to a single offer, even if outside parties believe they deal to be fair for both sides. Take solace in their absenteeism as their entry fee can be put toward good use later on.

When looking for a regular trade partner, here are some things to seek out:

• Have a player you want - We all have favorites, go get him if you'd like.

• Have a player you need - Your team isn't very good. Fix that.

• Just lost a player to injury - Worse than the lost production is a positional need. You'll give them a healthy catcher for a new SP3.

• Has soured on a top pick - Again, favorites. Any dip in production from the original expectation can annoy novice owners. Capitalize on this at every chance.

• Undervalues an unknown quantity or breakout - You've done the research, read the articles and listened to the podcasts. Take advantage of what you know and go get a player who's being underappreciated. You truly deserve each other.

Swing them 'round

If you have the luxury of being able to talk with the person outside of the league, down talk the player you want and promote the player(s) you'd like to trade away. Make them believe they're robbing you blind, while in turn doing the opposite.

If they're not buying your magic beans, try the following:

• Find positional needs - Most owners dislike having an empty roster spot. Should a competing owner lose a shortstop to an injury, trade them yours, upgrade at another position, then scoop a similar SS off waivers.

• Don't offer a positional swap - Nothing can end a trade negotiation as quickly as proposing a one-for-one swap of players who play the same position(s). This type of offer says "I'm smarter than you so maybe you'll give me the good player for a worse one." Don't do it.

• Give them their guy - Do feel free to use favorites to your advantage. Give your league mate the player from their favorite team in exchange for the superior talent. Fantasy sports are supposed to be fun, but they're not a place for loyalty.

Don't be afraid to kiss your sister

Tying a game in a real-life sport is always viewed as an undesirable result and thus the age-old analogy. The perfect trade not only improves your own team but also worsens your opponent. Every owner knows this, and no one is going to voluntarily hurt their chances of being the league champion. Tying a fantasy trade is often unavoidable and rarely a negative result.

To have a trade offer accepted, the other team needs to believe they're also improving their team. The best way to accomplish this is trade from a position of depth on your team, whether it be a pitcher for a hitter, or a spare outfielder to address your need in the infield. By addressing a positional need of your opponent, you can often come away with the better overall talent and production.