Tips for Poker

Here's what we feel are the Top 10 Poker Tips, which are based on what we read and what we know,

1. Don't play too many hands.

Almost all beginners play too many starting hands, it's a fact top players typically play between 20-30% of their starting hands. Concentrate on higher value starting hands and it will help remove the luck element of the game.

2. Know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold 'em.

Learn how and when to fold a hand, and don't be a calling machine. Many beginners keep betting regardless of the board or what their other players actions are suggesting. Top players frequently say it's the hands you can lay down that are often the key to profitable play.

3. Choose less skillful opponents.

Sounds fairly obvious, but you should play at betting limits where you can beat the majority of players if you want to win money. Move down in limits if you are having difficulties winning money. With poker, the player should always leave their ego at the door.

4. Watch other players habits.

The best time to study is when you aren't financially invested in a hand, and you can make more prudent observations. Watch how other players bet, and how much they bet, in what position they are betting. Learning how other players play is very important.

5. Betting to gain knowledge.

Top players use a variety of betting techniques to try to expand the information they have on other players. For example, a defensive bet is one that you can use early on to avoid calling a bigger future bet. A re-raise may be used to probe the credibility of your opponent's hand.

6. Learn to put your opponents on a hand.

When you have mastered Tips 4 & 5, then it is time to put your knowledge to work. Try placing yourself in the other player's shoes, and learn to put them on a hand. Ask questions like "Why did he re-raise me that amount?", and "Why did he only call in the previous betting round?", "The reason they called me was because they have a kicker problem."

7. Learn how to bluff and semi-bluff.

Only bluff at the right time, against the right players and at the right frequency. Bluffing is a misunderstood concept, and to a lot of beginners' dismay most top players use bluffs quite sparingly. A bluff can be very effective when used rarely, and where there is a seemingly low risk of being called by an opponent.

8. Changing Gears.

Unpredictability can be good. Most pros can figure out a really loose player by waiting for the nuts and being patient. However, an even easier opponent is a tight player or "rock", who plays only the Group 1 type hands. You need to change your game up, and let them see that you can run bluffs, and can play some lower value starting hands. These changes should be subtle and shouldn't dramatically affect the flop rate we mentioned in Tip 1.

9. Understand player position.

And how it is critical. Not only is it important to play strong hands, it is even more important in what position you play them. For example, the ideal position is the Button (the Dealer), as you are last to act, and have the advantage of watching all of the betting action before you need to make a decision. eg. If the action before you consists of a bet, a raise, and a re-raise, and you hold a pair of Tens, you might think that folding is the right decision.

10. Read books and take notes.

Players can always learn more if they want to be a better poker player. Keep notes on what works and doesn't work for you, and eventually you will come up with a style of play that works uniquely for you and improves your game. Please see our list of Top Poker Books if you want to see some good selections.