1. Have a gun.
2. Use your gun, even if you think it's too early. If you're dead, it's too late!
3. Win at all costs. Cheat if necessary. There will be no line judges or referees calling fouls. There is no such thing as "below the belt" in a fight for your life!
4. There's always another...
Yup, my CCW (XDs-45) has a loaded chamber indicator so I know there's one in the pipe!
My backup (Shield) has a peep hole that allows you to look and see if there's brass showing.
Good public service announcement though!