You've probably heard that expression when referring to all types of sports, especially football. This is probably the first time, however, that you've ever heard it associated with playing on the World Poker Tour.

Just like in team sports, poker offense is a lot more flashy and exciting to watch, but it's defense that gets you the title and millions in prize money. When you think of offense in poker, you think of raising and reraising, or maybe even making some big bluffs. That might make for good television, but it's not going to help you get to the final table.

There's a misconception about how top professionals get to the money more often than others. They aren't doing it with wild bluffs that risk large percentages of their stacks. The real key to their long-term success and consistency is playing solid defense.

In poker, playing defensively is often considered weak. Well, if you consider guys like Phil Ivey, Gus Hansen and myself to be weak players at the poker table, then you just don't understand the reasoning behind cautious play in large pots.

Let's look at an example with you in the hand.

A player raises your big blind and you defend it with A-J. The flop comes Ac-9s-4d; you check to your opponent. Now, if he bets half of the pot, what would you do?

The strong or offensive play would be to check-raise the flop, while the weak or defensive play would be to check and call.

In this case, the best play is usually to take the cautious approach.
BY DANIEL NEGREANU