Gulf Coast Poker Forums

Ok, this is probably pretty corny but every time I read quotes from the art of war I can't help but think of poker. It probably doesn't require much explaining so I'll just end this post with a couple of quotes:

All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.

If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to w in or lose. <--PokerTracker anyone?

He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces. <--Game selection.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.

The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him.

Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.