Strategy, analysis and a little luck: how to leave the poker table a winner?

Everybody has to start somewhere.

There is no universal solution to all issues, and no single plan to follow that will give us knowledge and excellent abilities to participate in the activities we are familiar with. However, there is an unpublicised rule: if you want to succeed, follow the advice of successful people. You don’t need to suffer bumps and bruises, learning from your own mistakes. It is only necessary to study what has already been discovered thoroughly.

Is online poker the hottest new trend?

Online poker has a recent history: it is just over twenty years old. An online poker boom occurred in 2003 when Chris Moneymaker won the famous World Series of Poker. An actual revolution has taken place in the gaming world. The story of Moneymaker’s victory was truly motivating and inspiring for great deeds. The generation of worthy players that we know now takes history from that moment. It was a kind of starting point.

Online poker has its own mathematics, psychology, but there’s also a bit of luck, of course. You don’t even need to be a genius just to be able to count decently and react quickly. Many successful players are not good at maths. And when asked about their numerous victories, they just shrug their shoulders and say they just have a feeling of the game, that’s all.

It is a little more complicated with psychology. When you sit at the same table with the opponent, face to face, it is easier to understand what kind of player they are. But online, the Internet web masks the faces. You can try to guess the player’s state by how quickly they place bets: they are either doing fine or are on the verge of failure.

Tips for beginners: how to win

Of course, it is impossible to choose one style of play suitable for all players. That’s the beauty of it: everyone has their own individual online poker. And their own strategy.
But there are a few universal rules which might help you, as a novice player, not to get lost and feel more confident.

The basics of poker and a serious approach

To achieve a specific result, you need to approach the game responsibly. Poker is not the place for rash decisions, unnecessary emotions and thoughtlessness. It is better not to sit down to play in a festive mood – even a glass of wine will be excessive. You can celebrate later, now – get to the point.

Attentiveness, concentration, impartiality – that’s what you need in the game. Leave everything else out of it.

Some say that the game of poker is somewhat similar to the survival game, only the rules are less cruel. But in the game, everyone defends their own interests. Be true to yourself, stick to your opinion and focus on poker.

Tight style of play

This style is characteristic of strong combinations and the absence of bluffing.
Indeed, beginners should avoid bluffing and keep some pre-prepared combinations in mind. The other side of the coin is that tight players are usually considered predictable and boring. However, if you stick to the right strategy, everything will work out. Just do not bluff!

Do not steer clear of the position

Many poker novices don’t value their position at the table as much as they should. Your position in respect to the dealer can positively affect the result, regardless of whether you play online or offline. A place in the sun – the big and small blind positions. The best positions are the dealer himself and the one to his right. These players are the last ones to make their decisions.

Why is it profitable to play in positions?

Firstly, there is an opportunity to steal blinds. Secondly, you have all the necessary information because those out of position place bets having to rely on their systemic sense. And third, you can control the full size of the pot.

Aggressive style is not always a bad thing!

In real life, it’s better to forget about aggression, but in poker, this word takes on a slightly different meaning.

The tight-aggressive style is considered the most popular one. And almost the only correct style for beginners possible. This poker style is characterised by strong hands, a significant number of raises and 3-bets. Such a plan will often work if you act on mid-and low-stakes.

Forewarned is forearmed

To know your opponent means to be able to think through a strategic plan for his dethronement.

Read the comments, study your co-players, and, trust me, it will not take long to see the result.

As a first step, analyse the messages in the chats. Sometimes we talk (and write) more than we should. Messages can reveal the player’s frame of mind, how well they are prepared and how big is their experience in the game.
Pay attention to the speed, the time the player takes to place their bets. Someone who is new to poker may take too long to think, or the opposite – make their actions unreasonably fast.
Do not forget about the element of predictability. Some players place bets only on certain types of combinations, and it is very easy to figure out their next step.

Observe, write things down, make notes in the margins. All knowledge converts into experience quickly. And it will be handy for you.

Win based on past experience

Do not just win and forget about it straight away.

Each game and each bet is your experience. Competent players constantly analyse their game and make conclusions about it. This is an essential point on the way to victory. Analyse your steps, evaluate your wins and losses. Notice how long the session lasted, how many people were at the table, and the limits.

Analyse – to notice progress, grow and enjoy each new step you take.
Live and learn – that way, you will win. Don’t disregard qualitative learning and practising with a mentor, getting help from the psychologist and more experienced colleagues.

Mentoring from an experienced coach and strong player is the most effective learning tool. The mentor will point out your mistakes, which may not be noticeable at first glance. Together, you will develop the strategy that will help you win.

Practice, use advice, listen to the coach – and your expectations will be satisfied.