SunTzu: The Art of War

[bernie]

I almost picked it up the other day. Which version is better? There were a couple. I think i just want the basic version. Or is there a version that has some cool additions/insights added? Any ideas?

Another one...

When i skimmed through it a bit it was like reading a book full of fortune cookie fortunes. How did you approach reading this type of book? Just curious.

It kind of reminds me of the Harvey Penick books on golf. "The little red book".

b

ps. I also agree that it will help ones game when looking at the opponent and their perspective.

[Panace50]

it is all about terrain and espionage and the fact that if you have to get to the river...AA and KK might both lose to the gut shot laing in the weeds. it will teach you about keeping the pot the right size so it isn't such an attractive target, and when to go after the pot no one else wants.

I think that is more what he was looking for: How to read opponents based on the intelligence you can glean from your assessment of his turf, and how to manipulate the location at the table to your advantage.

[Panace50]

I bought the barnes and noble version a few years ago, and it was very readable, and affordable.

[garyc8]

[ QUOTE ]
Let the enemy pay for the war.

[/ QUOTE ]

This could mean, go win money playing poker, and use it to buy more 2+2 books to help you improve your game. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[CaptObvious]

Definitely. That's a fantastic book my dad got me to read. Deception is obviously a huge part which obviously can apply to poker and everyday life under given circumstances.

For instance in the book he says:

"According as circumstances are favorable, one should modify one's plans."
* Situational analysis. You may have the best hand preflop, or on the flop but that can change instantly and you need to know your opponent in order to adjust your "plans."

"All warfare is based on deception."
* Self-explanatory.

"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.."

* Seemingly a variation of Strong Means Weak, Weak Means Strong.. What can you do to decept your enemy.

"Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him."
* I just like that line. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

"If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to
irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant."

* Ahh, good ol' Phil Helmuth has worked this to perfection. *L*

"Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline,
simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness
postulates strength"

I think sometimes whenever you're in a "slump," a little inspiration never hurts.

"Mastery" by George Leonard is good, too.

[Blarg]

It will make you hungry for orange chicken.

[bernie]

[ QUOTE ]
I bought the barnes and noble version a few years ago, and it was very readable, and affordable

[/ QUOTE ]

Funny you mention that. That's where i was at where they had like 5+ versions of it. Some with commentary some with other stuff. Some big, some small. Some with pretty covers, some with plain. Are the small ones just condensed versions? One even had a package with a day calendar with sayings.

b

[sublime]

Bernie-

I picked up the "Denma Translation" version earlier this week. What attracted me to it was the fact that they include a good amount of essays on how they interpret Sun Tzu's teachings. I will give a full review on it when I am done, but so far I like what I have seen.

[Panace50]

the one i got had a red dust jacket. i am in the process of remodelling and most books are hidden somewhere.

[jaeon]

i love this book so much that i like having it in two versions--the fat one with all the commentaries and then a little pocket-sized version that i carry around with me all the time. like everyone said, it doesn't help specifically with tactics, but i find it very applicable to winning at life as well as poker.

one day i'd like to write an updated, condensed version in comic book form with just the nuts for modern short-attention-spans. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]