Some Tips for the Poker Player
Learn to Observe Others
Psychology should never be underestimated in poker, nor in its variants like Texas Hold'em, Ohama and Stud Card poker. Everyone knows about the poker face, about remaining mysterious no matter what crisis may arise. But there's more to it than that. By making a concerted effort to play heads-up poker at every possible moment one can gain remarkably great amounts of information in a remarkably short time.
For example, some players have an unremitting urge to tell everybody at the table what kind of cards they're holding. It's all done nonverbally, of course, and is completely unconscious on the part of the doer. Maybe it's an unconscious urge to lose, maybe just a case of the uncools, who knows? Whatever the reason, take advantage of it. Look for players whose mannerisms tip off their intent. Harvey L., an inveterate poker player and inveterate loser as well, finally came close to despair over his unfortunate poker game. Harvey knew the odds, had plenty of game experience. He knew he was a better poker player than anyone in his every Wednesday night group. And still he lost. Ernie Z., a close friend of his and a successful poker player since college days, finally agreed to sit in on Wednesday night game with Harvey and psych out his problem.
In less than ten minutes Ernie saw the dilemma. It was simple. Every time Harvey was dealt an interesting hand he immediately began to blink. The better the hand the faster his lids pulsated. The habit was totally unconscious on Harvey's part and quite obvious to his opponents. Because of his mannerism, Harvey lost enough money to pay for several mortgages plus a pair of eyeglasses.
The lesson is clear. Be on the lookout for those subliminal giveaways like a change in facial coloring, a shift or squint of the eyes, a raising of lowering of the voice, a clenching of the hands. Look for repeating habits. Get to know the people you play with. People are often an open book at the poker table, if only we have eyes to decipher them.
Know Basic Strategy
There are certain moves in a poker game you make and there are certain ones you don't make. If you are in a game of seven-card stud and you're not holding several high cards, then fold. If you're holding anything less than a pair in a game of draw poker, then fold. If given the opportunity, open the pot no matter what hand you're holding. Don't get into fixed betting habits, your opposition will soon learn them and take advantage. Try to avoid bluffing when there are more than three players in the pot, one of them is bound to keep you honest. But don't be afraid to bluff occasionally; if you've bluffed and there are no callers at the end of the play don't expose your hand. (Why give your opponents valuable psychological information about yourself if you don't have to?) These are of course just a few of the many examples of poker strategy. What is important is that one be thoroughly familiar with all of them. Do this by playing a lot, by reading, studying, observing. Know the game.