War is a primarily a game of skill. It is a Contest of mind matched against mind, tactics matched against tactics. But there is also an element of chance that is more suited to games of cards or dice. A wise tactician studies those games, as well, and learns from them. The first lesson of card games is that the cards cannot be played in random order. Only when laid down properly can victory be achieved. In this case, there were but three cards. The first was played at the encampment. The result was entrance to the Strike fast. The second was played aboard ship. The result was promise of passage to Coruscate, and the assignment of Cadet Canto as my translator. The third was a name: Anakin Skywalker.

Star Wars: Thrawn