"Victory belongs to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake," is a quote from James Patterson's book Cat & Mouse. It emphasizes the importance of resilience and strategic thinking in competitive situations, suggesting that success often depends on who makes the final critical error rather than who makes the most mistakes first.

This quote highlights the significance of staying alert and cautious, as sometimes a winner is determined not by flawless performance but by avoiding the final, costly mistake. It encourages readers to be mindful and attentive, especially in high-stakes scenarios where the outcome hinges on small, crucial differences.