Making trades in a fantasy football league is an art, not a science. Here are some tools to help guide you through the process.

1. Do not trade for the sake of trading

Just because someone makes an offer does not mean you are compelled to negotiate a deal. Do not fall victim to over-managing. Only consider making a trade if it will improve your team and remember, some of the best trades are the ones not made.

2. Do not be afraid to trade a superstar

Having elite players does not guarantee success. It is more important to have a well-balanced roster, so consider the possibility of trading one star player in exchange for several very good players.

3. Trade from a position of strength

You should build roster depth and flexibility by drafting properly and manage the waiver wire effectively. This surplus can be used as trade bait to bolster other positions on your roster.

4. Assess other teams’ weaknesses

The best trade partner is a desperate GM. Look at other rosters to see who suffered a catastrophic injury. That team is more inclined to make a move out of desperation, which increases leverage for a better return.

5. Be honest with yourself

You must be realistic about the evaluation of your own players. It is fine to begin negotiations with a proposal that heavily favors you, but expect the other team not to agree. You have to accept that not everyone else values your players the way you do.

6. Understand your league’s rules

Be aware of what your league requires for a valid lineup and roster. Do not make acquisitions that would cause a rules violation. Pay attention to your league’s scoring system because some players have different value depending on the setup.

7. Be respectful and courteous

If someone makes an overture about a trade, have the courtesy to respond. You don’t have to make a deal or even go through with negotiations. If you aren’t interested in making a trade now, you will have a dialogue from which to build on.

8. Do not collude

Collusion is when two or more parties enter into a mutually beneficial agreement with a fraudulent purpose. Examples include orchestrating a one-sided trade, sharing prize money, manipulating the waiver wire or intentionally playing a sub-standard lineup. Everyone wants to win but you need to do it the right way.

9. Not every trade has a winner or loser

Most trade negotiations involve both teams trying to obtain the most while giving up the least. Improving your own team should be your priority, so it does not matter if the deal also improves your counterpart’s team.

10. No league votes

Leagues that allow votes to approve trades are set up for disaster. GM’s have their own agendas and can easily block trades to prevent competition from improving. Plus, there is no guarantee all league members will vote on the matter.