Poker strategy for beginners

Learning how to play poker is easy, it’s much harder to learn how to win. There are many gambling strategies, but it takes time to learn and adapt them. Let’s go over some basic tactics: preflop and postflop.

Preflop

This tactic involves answering one question, whether or not to enter the game. The decision has to be made based on the two cards that are in the player’s hand. David Sklansky has developed a table of starting hands, which is used to assess opportunities and choose an appropriate technique. Only the tight hands are listed in the table. It is recommended to choose a fold if no particular position is available.

In making the decision, it is worth considering the strength of the hands and the number of opponents. Players who took advantage of the initiative in the deal have a higher probability of winning. It is advisable to start with an equaliser, if you know for sure that your opponents will raise. Playing weak cards, especially if you are inexperienced, is not advisable, and should be discarded immediately.

Postflop play

Postflop involves three rounds of basic poker strategy – the flop (3 cards dealt face down), turn (the 4th card dealt), river (the 5th card dealt by the dealer). Each player knows his combination and has an idea of the common cards. Bets are made and after the cards are opened the pot goes to one of the opponents.

What should influence the decision:

• position at the table;
• the length of the game;
• the style of the opponents;
• Preflop characteristics, etc.

The flop gives insight into what combination a player has at his disposal:

1. A ready hand.
2. A draw-hand: one card is missing for the combination.
3. High-value combination – nats.
4. A trash hand.

Even if a player has no strong cards, it’s better to check-raise on the flop, as the opportunity may not arise in the following stages. Raising the bet is justified when the flop is a draw.

Experienced players cite two major mistakes they make when playing the post-flop: they don’t make check-raises, and their play lacks tactics, which means they don’t analyse their own actions. It must be said that playing in the postflop is more difficult, as there are special tables developed for the preflop that can be used to make decisions.

How to succeed

There are a few rules to help you succeed in the game:

1. Raise stakes when you have a strong hand.
2. Assess the risks if your opponent calls the flop at once.
3. evaluate your chances after the flop.
4. Take your time.
5. Don’t bluff.
6. Fight for the high pot, it’s worth it.