>[!abstract] >Table stakes, generalized from poker to business, refer to the minimum capabilities, resources, or standards required to even participate competitively in a given market. Just as a poker player must match the ante to join a game, companies must meet baseline expectations — such as regulatory compliance, product quality, safety, or digital presence — before differentiation strategies can matter. These elements do not confer advantage on their own but are necessary for survival; failing to meet them excludes a firm from consideration. The concept underscores the importance of distinguishing between what is merely required to stay in the game and what actually creates competitive edge. >[!related] >- **North** (upstream): [[Competitive parity]] >- **West** (similar): [[Hygiene factors]] (Herzberg's two-factor theory — things that prevent dissatisfaction but don't create advantage) >- **East** (different): [[Differentiators]] (unique capabilities that create competitive advantage, beyond the minimum) >- **South** (downstream): [[Industry-specific standards]] (e.g., safety compliance in aviation, digital payments in retail, cybersecurity in finance)