How to Be Good at Poker - Poker Books and More
If you want to be good at poker, it's going to take some hard work and dedication. You can watch poker DVDs and read poker books to get an idea of hard to master the game, but you also need to practice playing with other people. Here are some tips to help you feel more confident about your approach.
1. Mathematics: Before you start playing, you need to know the probability that a card will fall. A card you need is called an out. There is about a 1 in 3 chance that a flopped flush draw will fall on the river. If you have a straight draw and you need two cards to hit it, you can determine the odds simply. Multiply the existing cards you need by two (4 x 2). There are 8 outs. Then multiply it again by 2 and add 1. Your chances of hitting the cards you need are 17%.
2. Pot Draw: Once you have determined your chances to hit, you can figure out your maximum bet by using the pot. If the pot is $90 and the bet is $10, the pot+bet is $100. If there are 8 outs, you have a 17% chance of hitting. To call $10 means that your pot odds are 10%. Your chances of hitting are better than your pot odds. You can feel safe about playing your hand. Because the pot odds theory is purely mathematical, you can go with your gut if you feel that you have the best hand.
3. Mindset: You can only win a hand in poker if you want to. Only losers rely on luck to win in cards, hence the old expression, "Lucky in love, unlucky in cards." That said, always take your hands with a grain of salt, and if you make a mistake, learn from it. Don't bet more than you're worth. You always want to have enough cash left over for another day of play.
4. Opponents: When dealing with other people at the table you need to remember three questions. 1. What does your opponent have? 2. What does your opponent think you have? 3. What does your opponent think you think he has? After playing a few hands with him, you should be able to gauge what kind of player he is. Look out for tells and bluffs. Slowplay and fastplay are other techniques you can use to psyche out your opponents.
At the end of the day, the best way to become a poker master is practice. Play online, read poker books, watch poker DVDs, choose poker table supplies and invite your friends over to play. Temper your ego, and remember that poker is a learning process. Relax, be natural, and have fun!
1. Mathematics: Before you start playing, you need to know the probability that a card will fall. A card you need is called an out. There is about a 1 in 3 chance that a flopped flush draw will fall on the river. If you have a straight draw and you need two cards to hit it, you can determine the odds simply. Multiply the existing cards you need by two (4 x 2). There are 8 outs. Then multiply it again by 2 and add 1. Your chances of hitting the cards you need are 17%.
2. Pot Draw: Once you have determined your chances to hit, you can figure out your maximum bet by using the pot. If the pot is $90 and the bet is $10, the pot+bet is $100. If there are 8 outs, you have a 17% chance of hitting. To call $10 means that your pot odds are 10%. Your chances of hitting are better than your pot odds. You can feel safe about playing your hand. Because the pot odds theory is purely mathematical, you can go with your gut if you feel that you have the best hand.
3. Mindset: You can only win a hand in poker if you want to. Only losers rely on luck to win in cards, hence the old expression, "Lucky in love, unlucky in cards." That said, always take your hands with a grain of salt, and if you make a mistake, learn from it. Don't bet more than you're worth. You always want to have enough cash left over for another day of play.
4. Opponents: When dealing with other people at the table you need to remember three questions. 1. What does your opponent have? 2. What does your opponent think you have? 3. What does your opponent think you think he has? After playing a few hands with him, you should be able to gauge what kind of player he is. Look out for tells and bluffs. Slowplay and fastplay are other techniques you can use to psyche out your opponents.
At the end of the day, the best way to become a poker master is practice. Play online, read poker books, watch poker DVDs, choose poker table supplies and invite your friends over to play. Temper your ego, and remember that poker is a learning process. Relax, be natural, and have fun!
Leave a Comment