5 Basic but Essential Poker Tips
Poker is learned. Picking up poker tips can turn a losing session into a winning one. Here is 5 basic but important tips to improve your game
Tuesday 22 April 2008
5 Basic But Great Poker Tips
1) Avoid slow playing strong hands
You are going to slow play your poker hands, expect to take bad beats more often then if you don't slow play.
I have seen many poker players limp in their big hands, only to be out flopped by their opponents, and then complain about taking a bad beat. Perfect example: I was playing no limit Texas holden the other day, and had 92 off suit in the big blind. I would have folded if anyone had raised before the flop. A few players limped in, and the flop came 2 2 J. I bet at the pot, and there was 1 caller. On the turn, I bet again, the my opponent raised
me. I re-raised all in, and he called, showing Pocket AA. He became very angry, but the truth is, it was his own fault that he took that bad beat. You need to protect your strong hands with bets and raises. You need to make your opponents pay to outdraw you. Giving free cards is one of the most dangerous things to do playing internet poker.
2) BLUFF FROM A STRONG POSITION
One of the most common bluffs is started with a raise pre-flop. Say you are dealt AK. Naturally, you will probably raise pre-flop. One player calls and the flop comes without a KIng or Ace. You are in first position. What do you do? The majority of higher limit players will bluff in this situation. Either by betting straight at the post or check-raising. The reason for the bluff is simple, You represented a strong hand pre-flop. Why wouldn't you have a strong hand after?
3) Make HUNDREDS a month just by playing at multiple poker sites!!!
Did you know that most regular internet poker players have multiple on-line accounts. Why do
this? One word: bonuses. Most all internet gaming sites compete against each other aggressively.
They often offer substantial sign-up bonuses. Not only that, but many will often go to sites such as Horse Poker to collect the latest bonus codes for additional bonuses for buying in etc.. With these bonuses all you have to do is move from one site to the other collecting bonuses.
4) The biggest secret in online poker
Players are always asking if they are being cheated playing internet poker. The simple truth is no. Online poker is a huge business for the sites that offer it. They can and are doing everything possible to protect the integrity of their sites. The sites would never allow their cash cow to become suspect, thus ruining their future. Most sites are encrypted with software that is tougher to hack than the pentagon. But, online poker offers some differences from real life poker. The main difference is that it is controlled by a computer program. This allows for card tracking software. Card tracking software actually reads the cards displayed on the table that appears on your screen. It will then inform you, the player, of the best play to make. It is also used by some software to track the playing styles and habits of thousands of players on multiple internet sights. The amount of damage you can do to an opponent is amazing. Imagine knowing that your opponent only wins 5% of the pots when they raise pre-flop. So, once again - the internet sights do not cheat. They would be crazy to allow even a small amount of possibility of anyone manipulating their programs. They dont have to. They are making an exceptional amount of money simply taking in the rakes. They do not want this to be jeopardized in any way. All online sites are protected by some of the most advanced technology in the world. The sites will provide you with any details you request.
5) Know when to take a break
When you are playing internet poker, it is much easier to "go on tilt", as there is no one watching
you. Going on tilt simply means losing a big pot when you were the favorite, and playing poorly for several hands after because you are mad. When you take a bad beat, or lose several hands in a row by people who should not have been in the hand, it is easy to lose your cool. Set specific
guidelines for what limit tables you will play at, and do not go against them. When you are mad,
you should not be playing poker. Take a break, go to another table, or stop playing all together.
You are going to slow play your poker hands, expect to take bad beats more often then if you don't slow play.
I have seen many poker players limp in their big hands, only to be out flopped by their opponents, and then complain about taking a bad beat. Perfect example: I was playing no limit Texas holden the other day, and had 92 off suit in the big blind. I would have folded if anyone had raised before the flop. A few players limped in, and the flop came 2 2 J. I bet at the pot, and there was 1 caller. On the turn, I bet again, the my opponent raised
me. I re-raised all in, and he called, showing Pocket AA. He became very angry, but the truth is, it was his own fault that he took that bad beat. You need to protect your strong hands with bets and raises. You need to make your opponents pay to outdraw you. Giving free cards is one of the most dangerous things to do playing internet poker.
2) BLUFF FROM A STRONG POSITION
One of the most common bluffs is started with a raise pre-flop. Say you are dealt AK. Naturally, you will probably raise pre-flop. One player calls and the flop comes without a KIng or Ace. You are in first position. What do you do? The majority of higher limit players will bluff in this situation. Either by betting straight at the post or check-raising. The reason for the bluff is simple, You represented a strong hand pre-flop. Why wouldn't you have a strong hand after?
3) Make HUNDREDS a month just by playing at multiple poker sites!!!
Did you know that most regular internet poker players have multiple on-line accounts. Why do
this? One word: bonuses. Most all internet gaming sites compete against each other aggressively.
They often offer substantial sign-up bonuses. Not only that, but many will often go to sites such as Horse Poker to collect the latest bonus codes for additional bonuses for buying in etc.. With these bonuses all you have to do is move from one site to the other collecting bonuses.
4) The biggest secret in online poker
Players are always asking if they are being cheated playing internet poker. The simple truth is no. Online poker is a huge business for the sites that offer it. They can and are doing everything possible to protect the integrity of their sites. The sites would never allow their cash cow to become suspect, thus ruining their future. Most sites are encrypted with software that is tougher to hack than the pentagon. But, online poker offers some differences from real life poker. The main difference is that it is controlled by a computer program. This allows for card tracking software. Card tracking software actually reads the cards displayed on the table that appears on your screen. It will then inform you, the player, of the best play to make. It is also used by some software to track the playing styles and habits of thousands of players on multiple internet sights. The amount of damage you can do to an opponent is amazing. Imagine knowing that your opponent only wins 5% of the pots when they raise pre-flop. So, once again - the internet sights do not cheat. They would be crazy to allow even a small amount of possibility of anyone manipulating their programs. They dont have to. They are making an exceptional amount of money simply taking in the rakes. They do not want this to be jeopardized in any way. All online sites are protected by some of the most advanced technology in the world. The sites will provide you with any details you request.
5) Know when to take a break
When you are playing internet poker, it is much easier to "go on tilt", as there is no one watching
you. Going on tilt simply means losing a big pot when you were the favorite, and playing poorly for several hands after because you are mad. When you take a bad beat, or lose several hands in a row by people who should not have been in the hand, it is easy to lose your cool. Set specific
guidelines for what limit tables you will play at, and do not go against them. When you are mad,
you should not be playing poker. Take a break, go to another table, or stop playing all together.
Friday 1 February 2008
WORK THOSE T.I.T.S.
T - Theory
-They read every bit of available literature & integrate it into their gameplay. A top poker player will never think he knows it all. Theory adapts and a great player will adapt to it.
I - Instinct
- Sure people say instinct cannot be learned. Wrong. If we practice good skills day in day out it becomes instinctive play. Repetition can develop good instinctive play.
T - Tactics
- Pro players always have a game plan before entering a tournament. Sometimes as the game unfolds they have to adapt these tactics to suit but they always have a pre-set Idea well before the contest. A lot like a boxer studying an opponent before a fight.
S - Skill
- It's no fluke that many top pro poker players top the rankings year in year out. Whoever thinks poker is just a game of luck should think again. Following that theory, if someone wins the lottery once, they have a better chance than most of winning again. Dont think so. So if you want to be a poker pro, get working on those T.I.T.S
The Objectives in Internet Poker Tournaments
This article will discuss the fundamental elements needed to win an Internet poker tournament. It is important to understand the priorities of a player when playing Internet poker tournaments.
In Internet poker tournaments the player's objectives should be:
1. Survival - You should be able to survive to play at the finals table. The ultimate goal is to be the sole survivor. It sounds like a cheesy reality show but it should always be your main goal.
2. Build and Protect Your Chip Arsenal - You must be able to build enough chips to survive the bigger blinds and larger bets at the latter stages of the Internet poker tournament. You should also build a large stack of chips early on. This is to be able to take calculated risks from time to time. However, this must be accomplished without risking the chance to lose early as well. Yes, a delicate balance but one to keep focused on.
A player's failure to be aggressive and build an early chip arsenal will make the player erode slowly when higher antes and blinds come up.
3. Be focused - Try to focus on your game plan. Only attack when the right cards and situations become present. Then, when these situations arise, convert them into profits. Also avoid making occasional mistakes when you do not pay close attention to the game. Always keep in mind that you should be patient!
4. Adaptability - As the Internet poker tournament progresses, you should see when the dynamics of the game are changing and be able to quickly adapt to new conditions such as:
The players at the table.
The style of play of the other players.
The size of your chip stack against your opponents.
The Pot Odds, especially when the blinds and the antes increase.
Avoid making mistakes especially when you move to a new table.
Internet Texas Holdem poker tournaments are designed to eliminate players progressively. That is why the ultimate objective as mentioned above is to survive and protect your chips. That is why it is not advisable to take unnecessary risks yet at the same time be aggressive when the situation dictates it.
Practice patience and only attack at the best moments you see fit. Attack only when the odds are in your favor together with a proper battle plan in mind.
Remember that in Internet poker tournaments, patience is truly a virtue to succeed.
In Internet poker tournaments the player's objectives should be:
1. Survival - You should be able to survive to play at the finals table. The ultimate goal is to be the sole survivor. It sounds like a cheesy reality show but it should always be your main goal.
2. Build and Protect Your Chip Arsenal - You must be able to build enough chips to survive the bigger blinds and larger bets at the latter stages of the Internet poker tournament. You should also build a large stack of chips early on. This is to be able to take calculated risks from time to time. However, this must be accomplished without risking the chance to lose early as well. Yes, a delicate balance but one to keep focused on.
A player's failure to be aggressive and build an early chip arsenal will make the player erode slowly when higher antes and blinds come up.
3. Be focused - Try to focus on your game plan. Only attack when the right cards and situations become present. Then, when these situations arise, convert them into profits. Also avoid making occasional mistakes when you do not pay close attention to the game. Always keep in mind that you should be patient!
4. Adaptability - As the Internet poker tournament progresses, you should see when the dynamics of the game are changing and be able to quickly adapt to new conditions such as:
The players at the table.
The style of play of the other players.
The size of your chip stack against your opponents.
The Pot Odds, especially when the blinds and the antes increase.
Avoid making mistakes especially when you move to a new table.
Internet Texas Holdem poker tournaments are designed to eliminate players progressively. That is why the ultimate objective as mentioned above is to survive and protect your chips. That is why it is not advisable to take unnecessary risks yet at the same time be aggressive when the situation dictates it.
Practice patience and only attack at the best moments you see fit. Attack only when the odds are in your favor together with a proper battle plan in mind.
Remember that in Internet poker tournaments, patience is truly a virtue to succeed.
Poker Champions of the Past - 1970's WSOP Champs
WSOP Main Event Winners in the 1970's
Winning the main event of the World Series of Poker is not an easy feat. This is why poker players who achieved this will never be forgotten in the history of poker. Such are these persons who have become poker legends after winning in the World Series of Poker in 1970's:
Amarillo Slim
Amarillo slim won the World Series of Poker Main event in 1972, and after that he became one of the most popular poker players in the world. His poker forte is the Texas Hold'em. His popularity achieved greater magnitude when he appeared in television programs. Soon after, this gut became the talk of the town. But not every prominent event in the life of Amarillo Slim is a good one. Take for example the lawsuits pressed against him involving his granddaughter. This chapter in his life sure left a mark on his good reputation as a poker player.
Doyle Brunson
Another poker star of the 1970's is Doyle Brunson. He really is one-of-a-kind, after having combined road gambling, mathematics and TV in one as his poker style. Brunson is also famous for being the first ever poker expert to write a book about the game. The honor of being one of the only two poker players who won ten of World Series of Poker bracelets is his. He is also famous for having a poker hand named after him, the ten and two. Why was it named after him? It was named after him because he won two consecutive World Series of Poker championships with that hand.
Bobby Baldwin
In the world of poker, it is rare that a player is impressed by another. However, Doyle Brunson was definitely impressed by Bobby Baldwin's poker skills. After winning the World Series of Poker Championship at such a young age, he was offered by Doyle Brunson to contribute to Brunson's book.
Sailor Roberts
His moniker sailor came from his being formerly in the navy. This war veteran became a famous poker player when he won in World Series of Poker in 1975. But before that, he was gambling on the road, so you could say that he had much practice and with different sorts of people. That didn't make it surprising for him to be able to win in the WSOP main event.
These are only some of the poker players who in 1970's made their names shine in the World Series of Poker.
Winning the main event of the World Series of Poker is not an easy feat. This is why poker players who achieved this will never be forgotten in the history of poker. Such are these persons who have become poker legends after winning in the World Series of Poker in 1970's:
Amarillo Slim
Amarillo slim won the World Series of Poker Main event in 1972, and after that he became one of the most popular poker players in the world. His poker forte is the Texas Hold'em. His popularity achieved greater magnitude when he appeared in television programs. Soon after, this gut became the talk of the town. But not every prominent event in the life of Amarillo Slim is a good one. Take for example the lawsuits pressed against him involving his granddaughter. This chapter in his life sure left a mark on his good reputation as a poker player.
Doyle Brunson
Another poker star of the 1970's is Doyle Brunson. He really is one-of-a-kind, after having combined road gambling, mathematics and TV in one as his poker style. Brunson is also famous for being the first ever poker expert to write a book about the game. The honor of being one of the only two poker players who won ten of World Series of Poker bracelets is his. He is also famous for having a poker hand named after him, the ten and two. Why was it named after him? It was named after him because he won two consecutive World Series of Poker championships with that hand.
Bobby Baldwin
In the world of poker, it is rare that a player is impressed by another. However, Doyle Brunson was definitely impressed by Bobby Baldwin's poker skills. After winning the World Series of Poker Championship at such a young age, he was offered by Doyle Brunson to contribute to Brunson's book.
Sailor Roberts
His moniker sailor came from his being formerly in the navy. This war veteran became a famous poker player when he won in World Series of Poker in 1975. But before that, he was gambling on the road, so you could say that he had much practice and with different sorts of people. That didn't make it surprising for him to be able to win in the WSOP main event.
These are only some of the poker players who in 1970's made their names shine in the World Series of Poker.
Why does Poker have so much appeal?
Have you ever wondered why people play poker? The question may be simple but the answer is both complex and personal. There are a various reasons why people decide to play or not to play poker. Most of the times, the caliber of a player the person is as well as the limitations he sets are the reasons behind why he plays poker.
Reasons to Play Poker:
Social Rewards. This is the answer to the traditional poker games played at home. Hanging out is the reason behind why people play cards and eventually become friends over the card table. When you play poker because of this reason, choose the more fun and friendly lower stakes game.
Entertainment. Competition is the name of the game in poker. Possession of some skills and a little of luck which is needed in the game is the key to winning in poker. Because of the enjoyment it gives, poker is considered a sport by many people. Do not be taken by the entertainment status of poker because there is a possibility of losing money during the game.
Education. Application of poker skills to other facets of life is learned. Judgment skills (reading people) as well as logical and strategic skills (playing your hand) are enhanced.
To Make Money. While playing poker may be fun to most people, making considerable money is till the primary objective of most people. Of course, not all people can achieve the task. Not all players earn a lot of money. The desire to win more is the fuel to why people want to hone their skills in poker.
Poker is a type of wagering game where winning is actually a possibility. Winning in casino style wagers is an impossibility. Without obtaining enough information from an insider, winning in sports betting is almost improbable. Winning more money in a gambling form like poker can actually be done by simply being good in the game.
Poker is an exciting card game. Poker players look forward to tournaments the way people wait for Olympics. Great poker players earn respect and admiration. And poker is the only casino game that cannot be rigged. This means that players can actually win. Practically anyone can learn and play poker. But poker is not for everyone. There are certain types of people who should not play poker at all.
An emotional person should not play poker. We are not saying that poker players should be made of stone. But poker players are people who can subdue emotional outbursts and can channel what they feel into more positive and profitable endeavors. If a person is emotional and given to teary episodes or raging spasms, then poker is not his game. Unless he wants to lose all the time.
A person who has low tolerance should not play poker. A great part of poker is governed by odds and probabilities. And then, there is also luck involved. If a person cannot tolerate bad beats, weak cards, and losing streaks, then he cannot enjoy poker. Poker players also have different personalities. Some try hard to be comical while others are irritating. If a person cannot withstand sitting for hours together with such players, then playing poker will only bring him problems.
A person who likes to cheat should not play poker. Granted, poker started as a card game played by cheats, con men, and criminals, but that was many years ago. Poker is now recognized as a card game that can be beaten if the player is skilled enough. People who cheat at poker will not be welcomed by other poker players.
Lastly, a person who has a gambling problem should not play poker. Poker is a gambling game. All players realize that. But they should also realize that it is only a game and not a substitute for a good meal. In poker, it is possible to win money. And it is also possible to lose some. If you are a person who bets money that you cannot afford to lose, then you should not play poker.
How will you know that you will not have a gambling problem once you start playing poker? Visualize this. When a person comes to join a poker table, he risks losing his money. The money lost is lost. If you are a person who believes that the money you lost should be won back, then you will most likely have a gambling problem. You should avoid poker.
Reasons to Play Poker:
Social Rewards. This is the answer to the traditional poker games played at home. Hanging out is the reason behind why people play cards and eventually become friends over the card table. When you play poker because of this reason, choose the more fun and friendly lower stakes game.
Entertainment. Competition is the name of the game in poker. Possession of some skills and a little of luck which is needed in the game is the key to winning in poker. Because of the enjoyment it gives, poker is considered a sport by many people. Do not be taken by the entertainment status of poker because there is a possibility of losing money during the game.
Education. Application of poker skills to other facets of life is learned. Judgment skills (reading people) as well as logical and strategic skills (playing your hand) are enhanced.
To Make Money. While playing poker may be fun to most people, making considerable money is till the primary objective of most people. Of course, not all people can achieve the task. Not all players earn a lot of money. The desire to win more is the fuel to why people want to hone their skills in poker.
Poker is a type of wagering game where winning is actually a possibility. Winning in casino style wagers is an impossibility. Without obtaining enough information from an insider, winning in sports betting is almost improbable. Winning more money in a gambling form like poker can actually be done by simply being good in the game.
Poker is an exciting card game. Poker players look forward to tournaments the way people wait for Olympics. Great poker players earn respect and admiration. And poker is the only casino game that cannot be rigged. This means that players can actually win. Practically anyone can learn and play poker. But poker is not for everyone. There are certain types of people who should not play poker at all.
An emotional person should not play poker. We are not saying that poker players should be made of stone. But poker players are people who can subdue emotional outbursts and can channel what they feel into more positive and profitable endeavors. If a person is emotional and given to teary episodes or raging spasms, then poker is not his game. Unless he wants to lose all the time.
A person who has low tolerance should not play poker. A great part of poker is governed by odds and probabilities. And then, there is also luck involved. If a person cannot tolerate bad beats, weak cards, and losing streaks, then he cannot enjoy poker. Poker players also have different personalities. Some try hard to be comical while others are irritating. If a person cannot withstand sitting for hours together with such players, then playing poker will only bring him problems.
A person who likes to cheat should not play poker. Granted, poker started as a card game played by cheats, con men, and criminals, but that was many years ago. Poker is now recognized as a card game that can be beaten if the player is skilled enough. People who cheat at poker will not be welcomed by other poker players.
Lastly, a person who has a gambling problem should not play poker. Poker is a gambling game. All players realize that. But they should also realize that it is only a game and not a substitute for a good meal. In poker, it is possible to win money. And it is also possible to lose some. If you are a person who bets money that you cannot afford to lose, then you should not play poker.
How will you know that you will not have a gambling problem once you start playing poker? Visualize this. When a person comes to join a poker table, he risks losing his money. The money lost is lost. If you are a person who believes that the money you lost should be won back, then you will most likely have a gambling problem. You should avoid poker.
Online Poker 101
The best method to practice your online poker skills is to go online with a site like Fulltiltpoker.com and to try as much games as you can. The first stage of playing online poker is registering. To do that, you need to look for where it says registration, click on it, and fill in all your details. This is done after you download the software offered to you to install on your computer. The online poker welcome screen should let you know how to start the software correctly. Once you have started the program, your online poker game will finally start. You will notice different poker table, some are full of online poker players and others empty.
Playing The Software Poker Game
You will need to join a table with the right amount of players. you do not want an overly booked online poker table but one with enough players so you can practice your poker strategy on them.
After the first few losses you will encounter, you'll find that online poker game is not as easy as it appears in the movies. But don’t worry, with the right play time you can master online poker games and advance to play for real cash.
Playing The Software Poker Game
You will need to join a table with the right amount of players. you do not want an overly booked online poker table but one with enough players so you can practice your poker strategy on them.
After the first few losses you will encounter, you'll find that online poker game is not as easy as it appears in the movies. But don’t worry, with the right play time you can master online poker games and advance to play for real cash.
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