Does poker require luck or skill? Some play the game and seem to
hit every card needed for the winning hand. Others, with a hand
that could not beat any hand on the table, slyly walk away with
the pot with a wink and a smile.
So the answer to the question it would seem would be that it is
a little bit of both; luck and skill are needed to be a
successful poker player. After all, gambling is a game of chance.
But consider this: some mathematicians contend that the odds of
getting a royal flush are 1 in 649,739. So, given those odds,
chances are if you rely on the luck of the draw you will
definitely lose more than you will win.
So how do you become an experienced poker player and win all the
time? Well you can become an experienced poker player but, alas;
you won't win all the time. Poker does require skill and the old
adage, know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em certainly
has a ring of truth to it. Furthermore, you must factor in the
skill level of the players at the table, your bluffing and
betting skills, the stakes involved and of course, luck.
Here are some important tips for the successful poker player:
Do not gamble if you cannot afford to lose. People lose a lot of
money due to lack of planning and some gamble way over their
heads because they don't know when to stop. Pick an amount to
play with and stick to it. Additionally, do not borrow money to
gamble, you just add more pressure upon yourself having to bet
with borrowed funds. Allocate a budget and stick to it!
If you are serious about winning, avoid alcohol. You may make
bets that you would not normally make. Play with a clear head.
Don't play if you are stressed out or emotional because not
being in the right frame of mind can cost you big at the poker
table. Play with focus. If your mind is preoccupied with other
problems, your judgment will suffer and you open yourself up for
critical mistakes.
Study your opponents and define who they are and how they play
the game. You may have to adjust to their style of play. Do not
be intimidated by the aggressive nature of a particular player
or the passiveness of another.
Don't wait on cards, they usually don't come. Don't be afraid to
fold the poor hand. Poker is a time consuming game and you
aren't dealt a winner every time.
Display a "poker face". Your expressions and mannerisms can tell
a lot about your hand, even to the most inexperienced players.
Whether you have good cards or a terrible hand, it is best to
display the same emotion and not convey any clues to the other
players. Conversely, if you are a seasoned player, you can use
this "poker face" style to your advantage to project false
"tells" to other players and force false reads on their part.
You could pretend to have a powerful hand by aggressive betting,
table antics or talk and pull off a successful bluff.
Patience is the key and you have to know when to bet. Be
knowledgeable as to when to bet and get a feel for the game. Bet
wisely and in control. Bear in mind that bluffing will not work
if you are a poor player and expert players will eventually
sense this and pick you apart, making your night a short one.
Practice! Practice with low stakes games, hand held games or
play for fun as you refine your game and skills. Read articles,
books and ask other players about the game and different
situations that might occur.
There are thousands of poker books written with tips,
guidelines, rules and regulations but the important aspect to
remember is your poker strategy and your game. Practice, refine
and define who you are as a poker player. Know your limits, play
the odds and odds are you will come up a winner!
About the author:
Robert Benson operates
http://www.ezshoppinghere.com a web site
devoted to helping shoppers find unique gift ideas in unique
places including poker supplies, three stooges collectibles,
home decor and many other gift options.
