SunTzu: The Art of War

[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.