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Play Winning Poker - Ten Rules To Follow
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Author: Marc Weinberg
 March 15 - I wanted to compile a list of rules that will help the average poker player become a good player, and possibly even a profitable one. I make money playing poker, but only when I remember these ten simple rules.
Let me preface the rules by admitting that the list is by no means exhaustive, and although they work well for me when I apply them they might not be your cup of tea.
Since I moved to the United States I have noticed how Americans love lists of all kinds, especially "Ten Best" lists for absolutely everything you can imagine. This list is not a ranking of any kind, although you might find some rules are more significant than others...
10 Rules For Playing Good Poker:
1. At the table you'll never make a true friend or a true enemy.
A lot of poker players try to get in your head (this is really a rule for live games), either by being insulting or obsequious. Ignore their banter and develop your own style, preferably one that isn't too obnoxious.
2. Don't go soft on anyone, and don't take anything personally.
Never let up on a player because you feel sorry for them, sit next to them, know them, or for any other reason that might blunt your ruthlessness. Similarly, when someone attacks you relentlessly do not take it personally, even when it seems like they have it in for you alone. You cannot focus your attention on any one player unless you are heads-up.
3. Players will not watch you closely until you give them a reason, then they'll watch you like a hawk.
The first time you call off a lot of chips and act like a donkey everyone will notice and store it away for future hands. The first time you show rags to win a pot they'll notice as well. Play beneath the radar until you show them a side you want them to see, and never underestimate the power of the first impression at a poker table.
4. A controlled raise always earns more respect than a huge raise.
Large raises in no-limit games usually suggest desperation, so either the player who overbets is not that confident in his hand or pulling a (rare) very tricky trap play. Most average players fear a controlled raise (controlled in relation to the size of the pot as well as the way it is announced and moved into play in a live game) a lot more.
5. A player who raises with the worst hand is a far worthier opponent than the player who calls with the worst hand.
How could you make that play? The most familiar refrain in poker. Please remember that raising with 2-7 and getting caught is infinitely better play than calling with 2-7 and winning. A player who is willing to call and put his tournament life at risk with any non-pair up to AQ better be low on chips and out of options or in a short-handed situation. If not you can tag him as a weak opponent.
6. In limit poker people who chase flushes go home in buses.
Drawing hands need implied odds the way fat kids need McDonalds. In limit poker it is a rare sight to see those implied odds. I should also add that people who chase non-nut flushes in any form of poker will also depend on public transportation in the future.
7. Luck is a huge factor. Be gracious when you win and when you lose, because that luck cuts both ways.
There is skill in poker but on any given day there is an enormous amount of luck. Nearly all the best players have gone completely bust, and all have been beaten by inferior players more times than they can count. When you suck out do it with the same shrug of your shoulders that you offer up to being rivered by a two-outer. If you cannot react in this way you will not succeed.
8. You win more chips playing position correctly than you do playing hands correctly.
"Any two cards can win" can be true to a certain extent but happens a lot more frequently when you're on the button controlling the action than it does when you're fourth out of ten to act and decide to test out the old adage.
9. Players who like to be tricky are the most susceptible to being tricked.
It's easier to bluff a world-class opponent than it is a complete novice. If you face a constant check-raiser try check-raising him with absolutely nothing. When you win make sure to show your bluff, and you'll reach an understanding at your table pretty fast.
10. In tournaments always play to win never to cash; the cashes will come if your attitude is aggressive.
Unseasoned tournament players tighten up on the bubble allowing the true pros to amass huge chip stacks and go all the way to the end. As soon as you reach the ante stages of a tournament play aggressively and forget about the money you're playing for. It will take your game to the next level.
Related Poker Articles And News Items:
> Pocket Fives Are The Devil
> Online Poker Tournament Puzzler - Play Along!
> Online Poker Strategy - The Rules For Winning
> Online Poker Strategy - Pitfalls To Avoid
> Online Poker Tournament Tops $2 Million Prize Pool
> Paul Wasicka wins National Heads Up Poker Championship
> NBC National Heads Up Poker Championship Results
> Final Table Set For L.A. Poker Classic
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