Here we have put together our top 10 tips that will help you regulate your game. Remember that each player has their own style and these tips although basic, will help you stay on top of your game.
1. Don’t Play Every Hand
Probably the number one mistake beginners at poker make is that they play every hand. It is understandable that you are new to the game and you want to play poker, but, this usually means staying in the game with cards that are no good, just so you get to be part of the game. Remember that at a game, playing more doesn’t mean winning more, it usually means losing more. So if you notice that you are playing more than any other player, then you need to look closely at your starting hands.
2. Practice “Your” game
After winning a few big wins some players let it go to their head and think that they are ready to take on the world. Stay calm and don’t change tactics and believe that you are invincible, or up the ante thinking it will make you more credible, as it is the fastest way to lose your money. If you have a formula that is working for you stay with it. Keep your head and stay calm as emotions can run high at poker. Don’t get drunk, stay sober. Drunks at a poker table lose all their money real fast.
3. Don’t Bluff wildly
Bluffing is one of the trickiest stunts to pull off in poker. If your opponents catch you bluffing, then you need to be extra sneaky the next time. There’s is NO rule that you have to bluff a certain amount of times, or bluff at all for that matter, but it is part of the game and once learnt, great to pull off. Most players like to bluff and some are very good at it, so beware that if you bluff too much and in the wrong situations, you’ll probably be a losing player, so balance is important. See more
4. Don’t Stay because you’ve paid
Beginners tend to value their cards by the amount that they have put in the pot and therefore stay in far too long. Having the feeling “I’ve paid so I’ll stay” is not a good thing. If you know you can’t win or think that you can’t, then fold and walk away from the pot. You can’t win a pot by throwing money at it unless you have loads and don’t mind losing it all.
5. Start at smaller tables
Practice makes prefect, so start playing at the small tables where the stakes are very low. You can learn without losing serious money and move up slowly as you gain experience and confidence. Watching others play is not only fun but beneficial in learning the play and the game.
6. Pay Attention to the Other Players
Learning by watching is one of the best things you can do when you’re not in a hand. Observe the other players and watch how they play their hands or how they raise in a certain position. Do the players have a tell when they’re bluffing? or fold at every re-raise? Always assume that they (players you haven’t played against) are better than you until you study and observe them and are confident they not.
7. Calculate the percentages
Keep playing the percentages. If the next card does not fall the right way don’t be afraid to fold. Knowing the poker odds is a key skill that almost all good poker players have. In poker the probability of many events can be determined by direct calculation. Being able to work out how much you need to raise or stay in the game is a good thing. Knowing the percentages or odds that others have a better or lower hand than you is also a great way of calculating your odds on winning. See more
8. Vary your game
Be careful the other players around the table don’t start to guess your game. If for example you only bet when you have a Pair of Aces, your opponents will take notice the next time you raise. Change tactics if you think that they have your game worked out.
9. Learn to leave the table
If you find that you are being outplayed, outclassed or just unlucky at the table, then it is time to take a break and leave the game. Sitting at a table thinking about getting your money back or getting revenge on who ever has just cashed in on your chips is an easy way to lose a lot more cash if you don’t know what you are doing. If the game you are in starts to break up for one reason or another and you are left with a couple of really good players, then just walk away or take a break until other players have joined. Poker is about playing to your limits. Don’t play if you can’t afford to lose!
10. Picking the Right Game for Your Skill Level
When the stakes are raised the attraction to the pot is greater, but so is the average skill level of the player. Large stake games are interesting to watch, but shouldn’t be funded by you. If you’re making money at a lower level game, then stay there and learn the game and enjoy the rush.
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