Remember as you play....

"When you see trouble coming, don't be stupid and walk right into it -- be smart and hide."

Believe it or not, that's a Bible verse. It's the Contemporary English Version of Proverbs 22:3.

We were reminded of it from a religious magazine's article on sound handling of your money. It quoted the Good News Version of that verse, which is admittedly a bit less blunt: "Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later."

We contend poker is a thinking game, every bit as much as a "gambling" game. It takes wisdom to see a hidden straight opportunity on the board -- and either bluff on the pretense of having it, or fold when someone bets with the nuts.

Players who make bets simply on a whim or an impulse might win pots once in a while -- but we don't think they succeed in the long run. Poker tournaments tend to be marathons, not drag races. Being alert to possible trouble increases your chances of success.