Five Essentials to Victory

Poker is war is a metaphor that is often used to describe what it is like at the big cash game tables or on the tournament tour. Who could argue with the terminology? You have a possession (poker chips) that other people at the table are trying vigorously to take and you are defending them with as much vigor or more.

So let’s go back to one of the most popular books on war ever written, The Art of War by Sun Tzu. In chapter 2 he discusses the Five Essentials to Victory and it does not take a big leap of faith to relate them to the game of holdem poker. They are:

1) He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight

Only you can decide when this is. Ever notice the poker stars have a sense when to raise and when to fold. There are several times in every game, cash or tournament, which a decision has to be made whether to fight or fold, the players who have paid attention has an edge in these situations and will be succeed many more times than they will fail.

2) He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.

Everyone has been in a situation at a table with poker players better than they are as well as worst. Taking advantage of weaker players and avoiding confrontation with the better players can take you far in a tournament or make you money in a cash game. Recognize these players and adjust accordingly.

3) He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit through out all its rank.

In the game of poker you are an army of one. Keep your emotions on an even keel no matter what the situation, bad beat or just dumb luck has just happened to you. Also if you have just won a big pot, made a great bluff or hit a monster hand, you still have to keep your emotions in check. Remember, the cards do not have a memory and neither should you.

4) He will win who prepares himself and waits to take the enemy unprepared.

Prepare yourself with a good nights rest; brush up on a book or whatever you do before a session or poker tournament. Be relaxed and practice patience. Wait for a mistake by your opponent and take full advantage.

5) He will win who has military capacity that is not interfered with by the sovereign.

Be in control and under control. Don’t play in limits above your head, don’t play with your bill money, and don’t put yourself in a position that you will be uncomfortable at the table. It will show and if you are nervous it will affect your decision making. Play within your limits.