Poker Tips
 

Just as there are several variations of poker, there are several poker strategies. (Please see the individual game pages for more specifics) Some poker games vary considerably from one to another (such as Stud Poker and Texas Holdem), while other games have more subtle differences between one another. One of the most common factors between many poker games is the chance factor - Players will hear even the most consistently successful poker professionals give merit to chance during a game of poker. The most evident reason for this chance factor is, unlike blackjack, where a player has a choice whether to receive more cards or not, poker players have no options regarding the formation of their hand. When it is time for the "River", every player still in the game must take a card - There is no such thing as drawing a second River card, or sitting out for the third betting round. Yet, aside from the unpredictable and powerless side of poker, there still remains several important factors inherent to all poker games, which players can incorporate into any poker game strategy. The bulk of any poker strategy will be in money management, and determining when to fold and when to stay in the game. Here are the tips in no particular order of importance:

Tip #1 --------- Know the rules and odds of the poker game being played
First of all, knowing the rules inside-out is paramount for success at any gambling game. Additionally, there are times when the odds of drawing a winning hand are worth pursuing if the player has put a large stake in the pot already. The question all poker players should constantly be asking themselves, therefore, is: "Is putting more money in the pot worth it?" Some players advise to compare the pot odds with the card odds. In so doing, a player will determine the pot odds by weighing the amount of a call or bet to the total amount of the pot. For instance, if the pot value is at $500, and the player needs to put in a $10 call to stay in the game, the pot odds are 1 to 50. Now, if the players hand has a better chance at winning than 1 to 50 odds, the player would definitely make a call in the pot, and consider a raise as well. If, however, the pot odds are better than the players card odds, it is a good time to fold.

Tip #2 --------- Do not put much merit in the bluff
Many novice poker players think this is the key to successful poker playing. And although bluffing can be an effective weapon, just because one is good at it does not mean it will win a hand every time. Often times players will get caught bluffing, and will then be labeled as a bluffer. Therefore, when the time does come in which the so-called bluffer has a good hand, other players may be inclined to disbelieve and perhaps contribute even more to the pot. It is best to not put too much stock into bluffing - the wiser and less riskier move (especially for beginners) is to fold - as the next tip explains.

Tip #3 --------- Fold more often than not
It is hard for many players to not think "what if" after folding a hand that may have had some potential at winning - especially when another player wins a game with a hand that would have been beaten by the hand that folded. Therefore, this player will go all out the next time they have a similar hand - thinking if they don't, they will pass up a big win with the game ending as it did prior. This should seem like a shortsighted approach - and it is. Yet, some player's do behave in this manner when emotions take hold. The most effective strategy, that will keep a bankroll alive longer and produce more money in the positive, is one that folds more often than not. Depending on the exact type of poker game, there are game specific strategies on this site that will help guide a player in determining whether to fold or not.

Tip #4 --------- Choose your games wisely
What this means is that a player should know who they are playing against. Online poker is more safe than in a land-based casino, as far as a novice poker player is concerned. Many good, experienced poker players in the casino are looking for beginner poker players to take advantage of. And if you think you don't stand out being a novice player, you should think twice. This does not sound right and fair, but it is the truth of the matter. Playing poker online, however is a different story. In no ways does this strategy advise to look for other players to take advantage of. In the end, an unethical approach to gambling will come back and bite hard. However, it does advise players to be on the lookout for sharks that do purport this type of play. When playing online, it is most advisable to start with low-stake games or free practice play. With low-stake games, players can be more certain they are playing against players more in their own caliber range. Then, gradually move up to higher stake games as your game inevitably improves.