Mike Caro, in his book 'Caro's Book of Poker Tells'
tells us that "Player are either acting, or they aren't.
If they are acting, decide what they want you to do, and
dissapoint them." He calls this the Great Law of Tells
and it's a great starting point to understand when
you're being duped. If you're familiar with the players
at your table, you can often spot a bluff or slowplay
when you find them acting in a way which is
uncharacteristic of their style. The trick then becomes
to put them on a hand and determine if you can beat
them. Easier said than done, right? Caro has written
poker's most comprehensive book on the psychology and
body language of poker and I would recommend it to the
player who is looking to improve their understanding of
how players can potential betray the represented
strength of their hands. Of course, you can read more
about this book in our bookstore by clicking the link
above. Our own, Marc Wortman has also written a series
of articles on the topic. Rather than regurgitate this
material here, I've provided links to his insight below.
I can't lay down a losing hand ' 16% of
respondents. Most often, the biggest loser in a given
showdown is player with the second best hand. In many cases,
this player could have avoided donating some of his chips to
the winner by folding to that last bet. I found myself in
this position in a large tournament about two weeks ago. I
called a river bet with two pair knowing full well that
trips were out there. It's been said by players that there
are times that some one seems to be putting your chips in
the pot for you. This was one of those times. It takes a
great deal of discipline to lay down a strong hand in the
face of a stronger hand, but it is an essential aspect of
the game. If you suspect that you're beat even though you
have a good hand, you need to lay down in the face of big
bet. Calling such bets is only useful if you absolutely need
to see what your opponent has to help you determine what
kind of player they are. Often you can find less expensive
opportunities to find this this out, and hopefully at the
expense of another player at the table, rather than
yourself. Your only other option is to come over the top
with a big raise in the hopes of folding your opponent. If
they have the nuts, this will NEVER work.
I gamble too much at limits that are too
high 5% of respondents I was very relieved to see that only
a few of you gave this answer. Higher limits will attract
players of higher skill. The few players of poor skill at
high limits are either wealthy or desperate and stupid. You
should NEVER gamble money you don't have, and you should
always avoid playing at tables where your chances to win are
slim. Sure, every player will reach a point where they need
to try a higher limit to test their limits and develop their
game, but make sure you're able to handle what is thrown at
you at the limits you are comfortable at before you do. If
you're looking for resources on high limit play, Doyle
Brunson's Super System is the definitive work on high stakes
no-limit play. If you find yourself in the situation where
you're over your head too often you may have a compulsive
gambling habit. With the growing popularity of online
gaming, this is one of the most potentially destructive
habits of the internet era. I would urge you to seek
council. There are people who can help you to curb this and
Gambler's Anonymous is a good place to start.
This is rather straight-forward. Any
player who has read at least one poker book knows that
starting hand strategy is the building block to an overall
profitable strategy. Yet very few players demonstrate the
knowledge and/or patience to play good starting poker hands.
Why is starting hand strategy so critical to Texas Hold'em?
Playing less poker hands than your opponents gives you the
advantage in the long run. Think about this, if your
opponents play 40% of their poker hands and you are only
playing 20%, you will have the advantage in the majority of
the hands that you play. You'll win a lot more pots with the
best kicker. When you hit pairs, they will be less
vulnerable to overcards. Your straights will beat lower
straights. Your flushes will outkick your opponents
flushes…and so forth. By playing fewer poker hands you will
continue to put yourself in the best position to win the
hand. Of course, it is possible to play too tight. This is
why you have to post blinds in poker; otherwise, you could
just wait for AA every time. Yet I have rarely run into a
player that plays too tight.
Continuing to play when losing. The
instant you feel you're on a losing streak, set a firm stop
point. When you reach it, quit! Don't think the next spin of
the reels or throw of the dice is going to do it. Odds are,
it won't! When you're in a hole, stop digging!
Playing off all winnings. Set aside some
of each win, no matter how small. Betting down to the last
dollar is why 96% of casino players go home broke. Always
have something to show for your good fortune.
Not joining the casino's player's club.
The points you get for playing make you eligible for
cash-back awards, free or discounted rooms, free meals and
show tickets, and special mail offers not available to the
general public. |
