What Are Some Good Poker Strategies?

Poker is not merely a game of cards but a battlefield of the mind, patience and deception. Whether you are playing online or on a live table, it is all about playing smarter than your opponents, not just relying on the possibility of a good deal. Luck does not make you play like the pros, however, a mindset that has been created on the basis of observation, timing and discipline does. Here are some amazing poker strategies which can actually make your game top notch.

Poker Strategies - Play the Player, not just the Cards

This is the poker golden rule. Novices are obsessed with what they hold in their hand, whereas the professionals are interested in the opponent. It is true that your cards are important, but the way your opponent conducts himself tells the whole tale. See them gambling on strong and weak hands. Do they raise aggressive pre-flop or are they aggressive when they are sure? This helps you identify the patterns and by doing so, you are able to control the hand even if you are holding average cards.

Poker Strategies - Learn to be Aggressive but at the Right Time

Smart aggression wins games. The most skilled poker players can tell when to strike. Raising and re-raising at the appropriate time puts pressure and forces difficult decisions. Careless aggression backfires quickly. This is the secret, you have to be unpredictable--play hard, play bluffs here and there so that no one can read you. To bear in mind: it is only gambling to be aggressive, and strategy to be aggressive in time.

Use Position Like a Weapon

Your seat (the seat you occupy as compared to the dealer) will or will not make your hand. Later when you play a round, you get to see the moves of other players. This information edge enables you to play more hands profitably, steal blinds and entrap aggressive players. At the beginning of the position, tighter; at the end, loosen up and work the pace.

Balance Your Range

Being balanced means you do not necessarily bet the same hand and in the same way. For example, occasionally bluff with medium strength hands or check strong hands so that your opponents won’t know what to expect. A balanced way causes you to be unpredictable and nothing is fatal at the poker table but that.

The Power of Emotional Control

Poker is 80% mental. Once you play the emotional game, you are in the woods. Most players who suffer a bad beat then proceed to go on tilt i.e. play recklessly because of frustration. The marvelous magic is to remain ice-cold. Snort a breath, re-set and make the next hand as if nothing had occurred. The patient gamer will last longer than the aggravated one.

Think Long-Term, Not Short-Term

Even the most successful players lose hands. It is not about winning each pot but making profitable decisions over thousands of hands.

Conclusion

Good poker players know the rules, great poker players know psychology. Know your rivals, manage your feelings and timing is your trump card. Poker is rewarding to patience, courage and intelligence and when you get the three together--then you are not merely playing the game, you are mastering it.

FAQs 

What is the best poker strategy?

To play tight and aggressively. Bet strong hands and fold weak ones. 

What is the 80 20 rule in poker?

80% profit comes from 20% of your best hands or smartest decisions.

What is the 42 rule in poker?

Helps in calculating your odds. Multiply your outs by 4 on the flop and 2 on the turn to estimate win chances.

What is the 10 20 30 rule in poker?

It is a bankroll guideline that tells you to keep at least 10 buy-ins for cash games, 20 for sit-and-gos, and 30 for tournaments.