Poker School

Helpful tips

The following is a brief summary of helpful poker tips comprised of information from advanced players.

1. Pay attention to the other players

Identify the players you are facing. Some of them are playing tight and others in a “loose” way. Unless you've got a strong hand, watch who's playing in an aggressive or loose way and who's playing tight. Try to play the loose players and avoid the tight ones.

2. Watch the chips

Always be aware of everyone's chip count. Know who has more chips than you and play more carefully against them as a mistake could knock you out. It's usually better to play pots with players who have fewer chips than you.

3. Leave on time

If your cards don't match any of the community cards, throw your hand away when someone else bets.

4. What to do when you have an ace in the hand

Don't play every time you have an ace in your hand. However, you should play an ace if it's accompanied by a card of the same suit or by a 10 or higher.

5. Hands to stay with

Play with pairs (7-7, 9-9), two face cards (K-Q, Q-J), or hands that can make both a straight and a flush (8-9, 6-7 of the same suit). Be patient and fold other hands, unless you're in the blind.

6. What to do when you have a good hand

If you are playing Texas Hold'em, you can bet all of your chips at any time, so bet aggressively when you have a good hand.

Play fewer hands when you're one of the first players to act, because if you don’t you will be “out of position” and vulnerable to raises from the remaining players.

8. Wait your turn

Do not act until it is your turn. Play proceeds clockwise at the poker table.

9. Aggressiveness

In the game of poker, this is a good quality. Do not be content with simply matching your competitor’s bets. Make your own bets accordingly.

10. Call the bluffs

If you are on the blind and someone raises in a late position (near or on the button), re-raise them a good amount. Chances are they don't have a big hand and they are just attempting to steal your blinds.

11. Keep your cool

The biggest mistake most players make is acting too quickly. When you are making an important decision, pause to think about how the betting has gone and what your opponent might have. Take time to think it through.