No Game No Life I'm Really A Superstar Transcending the Nine Heavens? History's Number 1 Founder? not sure here because he always outwit his enemies.
In IRAS its just battle between self proclaimed fake expert vs plagiarizing talentless arrogant bastard pervert.
Not sure it fit since it's not a novel but there's the manga "Bokko". Plot: 2300 years ago in China there existed a clan called the men of Bokk trained to aid and defend threatened cities with their lives. Kakuri, one of these men, is summoned to the little city of Ryo. Distrusted and even hated, Kakuri eventually gains the trust of Ryo's citizens as Tcho empire's vast army sets their camp on the other side of the river.
Both of these are among my favorite manga of all time and though they aren't novels are they are must reads in my opinions, especially hikaru no go if you are into board games which I am a huge fan of. Also one outs is an anime so you can just watch it.
Maybe this one: http://www.novelupdates.com/series/sovereign-of-the-three-realms/ It's not too bad, not the typical MC with, "You give me no face, so I'll take yours!"..
Good Job so yea No Game No Life code geass death note ive seen some animes that were about board games or gambling and some sports, some of those are focused on outwitting enemies (cant remember the names though been too long) so probably try and check out the "sports" genre on some anime sites. Transcending the Nine Heavens although you are looking for novels you should try anime/manga too
The Amber Sword is sort of what you're looking for, From where I am right now. http://www.novelupdates.com/series/the-amber-sword/