Wise rulers (poker players) and capable generals (poker smiths) are often able to defeat their enemies and achieve outstanding successes because they have prior information on the situation.
-Sun Zi’s art of war

Emulate the strengths of opponents and use their weaknesses for self correction.
-Sun Zi’s art of war

Armies (poker players) at war (in a pot) usually fight in direct confrontation. But those (players) capable of springing a surprise will win.
- Sun Zi’s art of war

This week in Vegas was race week. Often this time of the year the action is fast and furious. Not only at the Nascar races but also on the tables. Often racers live in the fast lane and they gamble like it. They are dangerous and cause a lot of wrecks not only to the regular pro’s but to themselves. Poker is a race to see who can acquire the chips the fastest. Yes you will get bumps and grinds along the way but eventually if you play well and for long periods you shall get the cup. Today we shall discuss the first part of the game. Before the race begins you have to get to the track. In order for a player to win a pot he has to first enter the pot. That’s right he can win no chips unless he enters the pot. One of the most important concepts in poker is to eliminate other players before the flop. A player not in the pot cannot beat you. Raising eliminates players and should be done before the flop. It is the simplest and most effective way to increase your odds and decrease your opponents odds. If they fold they have zero odds. I have done some calculations using poker probe in order to show you how raising effects the odds as opponents drop.