Archive for October, 2009

Analyzing Your Poker Bankroll

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

moneyBankrolling is something that too many players do not take the time to consider. It does not matter if you are just in poker for the love and the fun of the game, or if you plan to play so you can make some extra money. You still need to pay very close attention to your poker bankroll; you need to understand its ins and its outs completely.

You need to keep a close account of the expenses you use in poker, as well as your income, and you need to do it for extended periods of time.

It is not too much to say you should make up a balance sheet to help you keep close track of all your expenses. Include everything, from small games to tournaments to online games.

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What You May Not Know about Raising

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

raisingAs with many aspects of poker, there are secrets involved in raising. Specifically, there are typically five reasons why and when it is a good idea.

First of all, you do it to get the most money you can from your hand. That is the most basic reason. You have a good hand, and you want to make sure the other players pony up more money.

You also do it to eliminate the other players. If you raise high, whether you are bluffing or not, players may well be intimidated and fold.

You also do it to get a free card, even though you actually have to pay for it. Still, raising can show another card in the flop.

You can also get information from raising — from the other players, of course. Especially if they have tells.

And, of course, if you are bluffing or just semi bluffing, you almost have to raise.

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Understanding Online Casinos: 5

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

online-5All right, card sharks, we have officially come to the end of this series of posts. Here we will chronicle the fifth and final key difference you will observe when playing poker in an online casino. You see, there are some things you need to be careful about when you are playing on the internet, especially as it applies to the games you choose to play and the rooms you choose to frequent.

The most common mistake online players make is going to low limit games and trying to be sly and tricky. Don’t do that! Most of the time, it is not really worth the effort. $3/6 games, $5/10 games — do not waste your tricks and strategies on such low limits.

You can typically, rightfully assume that the players in these games are new or at least amateur. You do not need to get too smart with them, you do not need to bluff with them. Save your real skills for the big boys.

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Understanding Online Casinos: 4

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

online-4One thing you need to learn how to do when playing poker on the internet in an online casino is how to spot tells. In a bricks and mortar casino, of course, this is far, far easier. Many online players believe that they do not give away any tells; similarly, a lot of online players also believe that they will not be able to spot an opponent’s tells. Neither of these things are true.

You may not be able to see your opponents’ faces, but you can judge their actions. For instance, pay attention to how quickly — or slowly — the other players bet. How long does it take them? A fast bet is generally indicative of a strong hand, while a player who is slower to bet is likely judging how well they can bluff a not so great hand.

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