The Differences

In wars, as in poker games, the keys to victory are strategies, tactics, and resources. However, even the most experienced generals (and players) can sometimes make the mistake concerning the definitions of those elements listed above. So here I am, mixing my knowledge of the military and poker to the benefit of the very small number of people who find their way to this place.

First off let's start with resources, as you can't do anything without them. In poker, your resources are the cards you have in hand. They are the ammunition for your rifles and the shells for your tanks. You have to work with what you're given and make the most out of them.

Tactics would be short-term maneuvering and resource use. In war, an example would be engaging the enemy while their troops are deployed at a disadvantageous location or unfamiliar terrain. In poker, game tactics could be broken down to your bluffing to get by a particularly nasty hand.

Finally, strategy is planning out for the long-run. In war, that would be capturing a key location to the enemy's defensive positions. In poker, that would be managing your chips so you can effectively outlast the other competitors, even if you lose a hand here and there.