Over two millennia ago, an almost mythical Chinese general named Sun Tzu lived in a time when different authorities in China are at war with one another. In such an era Sun Tzu wrote a military treatise that will bestow valuable military wisdom on anyone who would read it.

History did put Sun Tzu’s book to test and it proved to be one timeless piece of ancient knowledge that came to influence the likes of great military minds such as Mao Zedong, Ho Chi Minh, and even Douglas MacArthur.

Now famous as ‘The Art of War,’ Sun Tzu’s boundless words have been also applied in business strategies and tactics. In fact, the wisdom could also be of practical value for bettors as a guide in betting.

Trying to learn the ups and downs of sports betting? Check out Sports Betting: the Good and the Bad.

Here are six maxims from Sun Tzu’s book that are of practical value for punters in their betting

To know your enemy, you must become your enemy

This means that in order for a punter to stand out from the others, he must first know how other bettors think. This is for the bettor to find where the true value lies, even when people or bookies think otherwise.. Keep in mind, the result of a bet is not always similar to a flip of a coin–win or lose. Bet winnings can still take place whatever the result of the match is. It is in the finding of the right markets or lines that gives the competitive advantage.

According as circumstances are favourable, one should modify one’s plans

This quote is valuable especially when odds change in the very last minute and the bettor must decide whether to adjust bets or not. This can be applied to multiple scenarios as well and when this happens, be sure to re-analyse if the approach used still makes sense to achieve winnings.

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

This maxim applies to situations when the bettor is left to decide which sports fixtures have value to place stakes on. Sometimes, emotions get in the way of our bets especially if the matches include our favourite teams/players. In these times, stay objective to know where the true value lies.

The victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won

When is the right time to look for another game to place stakes on? When the bet has paid off.

Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go
to war first and then seek to win

Sun Tzu has left a valuable message for bettors in placing stakes. The smarter way to bet is to contemplate on the bet and ensuring victory first before placing it. The losing way to bet is placing the bet and expecting a pay off.

He who wishes to fight must first count the cost

In this quote, it is worth the time to remind bettors to be careful in every decision when placing a bet as resources are can sometimes be limited.  

Apply Sun Tzu’s ancient wisdom in your betting and check out VOdds to see fixtures to put The Art of War to test.