[Matt R.]

I think one of the first rules for pros is to avoid other pros if at all possible, unless playing for fun obviously. It just cuts into their edge too much. There's really no way to get an edge on an equally skilled player... that would go against the definition of "equally skilled". To outplay them you'd have to out-think them. And if you can out-think them I'd say you're the better player.

Aside from all that (if you are slightly better), the only way to get any type of edge against a solid player is to study how they play... as you said. This basically just gives you reads, and assuming they don't get as good of a read on you, that's where you get your edge.