Hi all,
I have been playing poker for a while but I have never really taken it seriously but I recently decided to start studying the game properly.
I understand the basics but do I include players who have not put money in the pot? It wouldn't make mathematical sense to exclude them, but when I include them I should fold aces in some cases pre-flop which is madness! Is there something i'm doing wrong?
Please no answers like "Ignore equity and learn to play!!" I'm just curious how it works more than anything.

Thanks!