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Poker | Strategy

This game has two major variables involved: human behavior and ever-changing odds. There's no doubt that luck plays a major role in short term success but over the long run, this game is certainly a game of skill. Like any classic game of skill, this demands study and practice from those who want to achieve mastery.

Here are some of the basic building blocks of a good game strategy:

• As a player, it helps to have a conscious or unconscious understanding of odds and expectation.
• Pot odds are really just another way of looking at expectation. It compares the amount of money in the pot to the amount of money you would have put in to continue playing. It helps answer the eternal question in game strategy: "Is it worth it to continue in this hand?" To answer that, you always have to have a sense of card odds. Lets say the pot contains $100 and you need to put in $10 to continue playing. The pot odds are 10-1. If you have a better chance of winning than that, it's worth calling. Have a 22-1 chance of making that hand? Time to fold.
• A number of players play too many hands. Most players play way too many hands. "Folding" is perhaps the most profitable play in this game. This sort of discipline is difficult for the recreational player. If you read the experts' books, you'll see how they preach patience and discipline, and you'll be shocked by how many hands they say to throw away. Aggressive players are successful only when they know when to jettison or get away from a hand.
• You need to have your mind completely sharp and focused when playing at the game table. Do not make the mistake of getting so caught up in your own cards that you fail to observe the actions of the other players at the table. What are their starting hand requirements? Do they bet aggressively or typically call, even with strong hands? Do they ever fold when bluffed? What card are they betting on? In certain games, these powers of observation will win you serious money. In 7 card stud, it is of utmost importance that you know how many of "your cards” or "outs" are showing in other players' hands, as well as how many were in hands that were folded. The fact that you fold 70% of your starting cards gives you ample time to study and observe your opponents. Don't sit back and zone out... lean forward and see what can be learned about them that will help when it's you heads up against them.
• Another good game strategy is to note that the bluff is not as key an element of the game as you may think. Clever deception has its manifold pleasures, but it shouldn't be done indiscriminately. As part of your game strategy, you can use the concept of pot odds to guide your bluffing. An occasional, not-too-costly "discovered bluff" (one that doesn't work) may also help you win bigger pots in later hands. Players may think you are a "bluffer" and stay in when you actually do have a good hand. Remember this - only try to bluff the good players (as they will lay down a hand). Don't bluff bad players.
• For the player seeking a profit, a good game is not one where titans of equal strength square off against each other. The law of the jungle rules the game table. The secret of winning money consistently is to find games with players who play worse than you do. Successful players need weak players who obviously allow their money to be siphoned away by strong players. Guilt does not pay in this game, guile does, so make it a part of your strategy.

These are but a few game strategy tips. In the long run, you have control of your own game fate. Stay calm, don't play wildly and desperately and you should be alright.