Whether you are playing poker just for fun or you have aspirations to be a professional poker player, one thing is certain—you are playing to win. Most players play in cash games and from time to time play in poker tournaments. There are also those who play in tournaments all year round. Whatever direction you are taking, you must set certain goals to improve your skills.
Setting Goals
You might be playing in a certain level of cash game for some time and you do not know when to move up. The most important factor to consider is how you manage your bank roll. You should never be impatient and have to determine if you are consistently winning in your current level, if you have the discipline to move back in case things don’t turn out well, and if you can recognize when you are outplayed. Are you hearing “yes”? Then maybe you should give the next level a try.
Consistency
The real test of being an excellent poker player is consistently winning. You can say you are consistent if your bankroll says it all. You do not win for several nights, you do not win in a month, but you consistently go to move to the last few tables, go to the final table, or win tournaments. Losing is still part of the equation though. Let’s be realistic.
Take note of your losses and wins in cash games and tournaments. Document your success and shortcomings in poker so you can evaluate if you are ready to move up the ladder.
Be ready to play
As easy as it may sound, a lot of poker players come to a table not prepared to play the game. You need to have the right mindset. You cannot play if you are too tired or if you don’t have enough sleep. Just like any game, you must be ready to react and attack in poker.
Mathematical Advantage in Poker
You may ask the question what is the role of mathematics in the game of poker. You will be surprised to learn that one of the most significant aspects of poker is the primary role played by mathematics. There are myriad players competing against each other in online poker games and it is imperative that you should know the basic probabilities, odds and other statistical data to make the right decisions Online Poker Strategy. Learning about the contribution of mathematics in poker will help you in being successful in the game.
The mathematical facet should be used in various situations but it should be remembered that all games cannot be won by incessantly using this concept. Luck plays an important role as well. For example If your are playing online poker and had started with 1500 coins along with 10 opponents and now you are at 2000 chips then the simple calculation is that blinds have increased from $100-$200 and a $25 ante. This is a terrible hand but you would be calling because the small blind would have been battered and has only 500 casino chips remaining and he would bet it all. That is your mathematical advantage. A harmonious blend of calculations and luck would help you to win the game.
Importance of Positions and Bets When You Get a Big Pair Pre-Flop
A lot of players lose a tall stack of chips even with a big hand like pocket aces or pocket kings because they don’t know how to play their cards properly. When you have pairs of queens, kings, or aces— the big pairs— you need to be conscious about your chips, previous bets, and position in the game.
Previous Bets and Position
You have to know where you are in the battle field. If you are in an early position, it will be a difficult play but it is wise to raise three to four times of the big blind gambling addiction. With this move, you can lure the other players to call or to re-raise your bet.
In mid position, you will have an idea how your hand should be played. Let us say, a player raises 3 times above the big blind, it will be a good choice if you can re-raise his bet about 2 to 2.5 times more. Doing a re-pop will uncover your opponents camouflage and see what he is made of.
The series of actions after your call will help you gauge what your next move should be. If you have a KK or an AA then a re-raise or all-in maybe the best move. Folding after a few raises will logically lower your stack.
In the late position, you might have two or three players raising before you can move. Observing how the pot is going, re-raise and isolate yourself from the rest of the field. This can scare some players away.
You amount of chips will dictate if you will just call fold when someone challenges your big pair, or will you gamble all in.
