The strategy is very simple.

1. Know who your boss is. It may not be who you think. It's the person who decides whether you get the promotion or not.

2. Know exactly what that person wants you to do. Usually he wants you to do something that makes him look good and gets him a promotion.

3. Get an understanding with that person that he will give you a promotion if you do #2.

4. Do it.

Of course, it doesn't guarantee that your boss doesn't screw you over. But then again... that's why it's important to have transferable skills and a strong reputation or network amongst other people who are capable of taking you away from your boss and promoting you, if your boss won't.