In Wylie's Sept 2 post he mentioned this book, so I read it and here are some illuminations I found, and for those who may be interested...
From Wiki:
The Art of War is a Chinese military treatise written during the 6th Century BC by Sun Tzu... The book stresses subtlety and always making it appear like one is trying to achieve something other than one's actual intention... It taught that strategy requires quick and appropriate responses to changing conditions.
Here are some quotes from the book that may also be relevant to Blackjack:
All warfare is based on deception.
...act expediently in accordance with what is advantageous and so control the balance.
Where enemy is strong, avoid him.
Do not neglect opportunity.
To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.
Modify your tactics in accordance with the enemy situation.
Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack.
Await the enemy's moment of vulnerability.
...the skilful commander takes up a position in which he cannot be defeated and misses no opportunity to master his enemy.
I think Sun Tzu would have been a successful card counter... NB
