I have had the time recently to play a few live, poker tournaments. While I’ve had one nice cash of $3,000, there have been three times where I ended up just out of the money finishing 21st and 24th respectively.
What did I take away from the events? Mainly, I’ve realized that being consistent in my game is the most important part. Being able to have hands and play them in a manner that my opponents are unable to put their fingers on is fundamental to being profitable in no limit texas holdem.
You will find many poker players discuss how important it is to bluff. However, bluffing is not really something that you are going to be able to do 7 out of 10 times while playing in a no limit game. This is simply because you are playing many more hands than other players in this game. Hands such as A-A, K-K, Q-Q, even if suited, have a better chance of being the best hand against the other hands in the game than they do of winning the pot.
Hands like A-K, A-Q, K-Q, and even A-J have the best possibility of beating most of the hands in the game. Hitting the flop in these types of hands is key to being consistent and finishing first in many pots.
Secondly, in order to be consistent you need to be selective with the hands that you play. Ideally, you do not want to be playing hands that your opponent may be drawing to, or that are behind a big amount of money that they could get. If you are constantly putting money into the pot then your opponents are going to be cautious of you and you will not succeed in winning the pot.
Selective play is important in 7meter and especially in no limit holdem. Many players make the critical mistake of becoming impatient and chasing hands. This results in them not playing poker properly and then they end up losing money.
The style of the player should change the outcome of the hand and not the player. If you really want to win at poker, you should take some notes after each hand and remember what your opponents play and then adjust you game in order to win.
Playing during smaller stakes games is much easier than the larger games. With smaller buy in games, you can focus on your cards and what you have in your hand. In these games, you do not need to worry about your opponents. If you think you have a good hand, you can play it. If you do not think you have a good hand, you can fold.
Do not make the mistake of thinking you have to play every hand. This often results in the player not playing any hands when they have the chance of winning.
Learn to bluff. If you have not learned how to bluff, then you really are just not taking advantage of all the unique opportunities you have at the poker table.
The moves that top poker players make are ones that top players have always made and will continue to make. Knowing when to bet, and when to fold are crucial skills that will make you a successful poker player.
These moves are ones that even the least prepared player can learn to quickly and easily apply. Learning to play poker quickly and easily means that you can play a lot more poker than normal players. You can make more mistakes and not fall behind in the process.