Establishing a Presence at the Poker Table

Everyone has done it. Received a hand from the dealer and almost informed the entire poker table that your hand is nearly untouchable. Of course, everyone that has played the game knows that no hand is untouchable, at least before the flop. So herein lies the beautiful game that we know it to be.

Whether you have taken a seat at the poker table for years or weeks, bad beats are all too common for the majority of players. The key is to try and eliminate the bad beats along with other obstacles of the game as much as possible by using aggressive play when your hand is strong. Doing this will give you a number of advantages.

Once you've initiated this style of play you must be very aware of the other players at the table. Albeit you do not know what they're holding and vice versa, so when you do have a strong hand, obviously you want to maximize the chips you rake, but at the same time, winning a pot of smaller amounts is much better than losing a pot due to slow playing someone and allowing them to catch a needed card. Raise it substantively before the flop, make them gamble.

Most players like to up the chip ante three four times the blind when it's smaller but do not be afraid to go higher when the blinds are elevated as well. Everyone at the table wants to maximize their odds, so seeing as many cards for as little as possible, so before the flop is where you can weed out many hands, raising your odds for the winning the pot.

After you've done this, you are usually now playing against 1-3 other hands. At this poker table your strong hand is now your ammo. Once the flop comes out make sure you take control of the betting, pending certain actions by the other players. If a bet is placed, be sure to consider the amount along with risk and reward. Also, other variables are included such as the odds of you winning the hand, and possibly, betting patterns of your opponents. Even with a strong hand you are never guaranteed a payout so this instance is usually what makes or breaks a player.

Now, you've increased your odds by eliminating hands prior to and seeing the flop. Playing aggressively will allow for you to be the first to raise, or re-raise the chip count. Calling an opponents raise in this instance will play right into the hands of them, thus giving up the stronghold you once hand prior to the flop.

Once the next card is shown you will have a pretty good idea where you stand though nothing is ever concrete. This is where you must decide to remain aggressive or fold your hand. Either way, you've established yourself as a force at the poker table.

[ad_2]

Source by Tony Flores