The Aggressive Player

Written by Nigel

You’ve heard about them – you’ve probably even played against them.  The aggressive player has been one of the main characters is many poker stories.  Yet how do you deal with them in a real poker game?  In order to do so, you must know what goes on in the head of an aggressive player.  You must know what makes him tick and then come up with your strategy.

As many poker pros always say, poker is as much a game about the players as it is about the cards.  You always have to take into consideration the people you play with in order to be successful in poker.  So why do aggressive players play the way they do?  How do you deal with one?  According to Mart Wortman, one strategy would be to play the same way.  He explains further:

In Caro’s Fundamental Secrets of Winning Poker, Mike Caro advises that pots go to the player who ‘takes command’ of the table. Have you ever noticed a table of players so cautious about one specific player that they withhold showing initiative until that player has acted? That player has taken command of the table. If he’s a weak player who just got lucky, he’ll soon lose command when he loses his chips. Otherwise, he will maximize his winnings by being the only loose player at the table. Don’t be afraid to be this player if nobody else is. And, if the loose-aggressive player is playing this way because he’s a strong player who is taking command, then you must show no respect for that command. Bet into him when you have the hand for it. Raise him if you think he’s being a bully. Play more like him to challenge his command.

Why Did I Lose (Part 2)

Written by Nigel

In the last post, we ended with a discussion on having the wrong opponents at the table and the two options – get better or get out.  Another possible for losing a poker game is can be attributed to two “bad” things.  It is either bad luck or bad play.  Let’s look at the first reason.  Whether you admit it or not, there is an element of luck in poker.  There are definitely going to be times when you will get bad cards.  There is no doubt about that.  You can attribute that to bad luck.  Yet if we go one step further and analyze things, you just might realize that though bad luck lands nasty cards on your lap, it cannot be blamed for your playing them.  That is why there is a move called folding…Poker is not only about getting good hands but also about minimizing your losses when you get the bad hands.  Are you getting my drift?

Now how about bad play?  What I described above is essentially that.  You need to know when to fold and when to plough on ahead.  If you choose to play a bad hand, then that is your fault.  Now going back to bad luck – there are really cases wherein you may be a victim of it.  This can happen even if you play your hands correctly and someone else at the table gets lucky on the river.  In this case, you can’t fault yourself for anything.

The bottom line is this: play as well as you can and don’t be too quick in blaming luck for your losses.

Why Did I Lose? (Part 1)

Written by Nigel

Face it, not many people want to remember their moments of defeat.  Whether you are talking about life in general or poker, this statement has a ring of truth to it.  However, as I heard a good poker player say once, only in pondering your losses can you only really improve your game.  Interesting, to say the least.

So how can analyzing your losses help you in improving your game?  It is simple, really.  There is a reason for your losses.  When you analyze those losses, you just might stumble upon a flaw in your game.  Either that or you just had a bad streak that night, in which case there is no need to beat yourself up for it.

One reason for losing at the table is having the wrong opponents.  Yes you read that right.  However, we are not trying to put the blame on others here.  The idea is that no matter how good you are, there will always be someone better than you out there.  With 8 players or so at the table, you just might be outclassed by one or two or more of them!  If that is the case, then the only thing for you to do is to change tables or take the bull by the horns and get better at the game.  If you take the second option, you can only get better by learning from the way you lose to these better players.

Let’s look at more reasons next time.

Having A Gameplan

Written by Nigel

What gameplan?  You may be asking this question as you read the title.  I wouldn’t blame you.  The way I have been harping on relying on poker instinct in the past couple of posts, some of you might have gotten the impression that it is better to be totally lose about playing.  However, that was not my intention with those posts.  As I also kept on saying, you still have to think and analyze the situation – just do not overdo it.  My point is, when playing poker – or even before you sit down at the table – you must have a solid gameplan in mind.

The purpose for this is so that you will have a direction while at the table.  Though you must rely on your well developed poker instinct, you must also have a clear path in your mind of where you want to go.   Otherwise, your instinct will serve no clear purpose.  So how do you come up with your own gameplan?

Simple.  You must take into consideration three things:  the type of game, the players, and the level of competition.  First consider what poker variation you are playing.  Of course, the strategy that you employ will vary with the type of poker you are going to play.  Having the right mindset beforehand will help you set a successful strategy.  As for the players, it would help if you knew who you are going to play with.  This helps in determining whether you are going to play lose or aggressive.  Last, knowing the stakes would mean a great deal.  High stakes mean that players would be more serious about the game.

Knowing these things will help you outline your strategy.  Of course, this does not mean that you cannot change plans midgame if necessary.

How To Develop Your Instinct (Part 2)

Written by Nigel

In the last post, we ended with the need of being totally focused on the game, no matter what your situation is.  Corollary to that, being focused means that you never make hasty decisions.  Using your instincts is not the same as merely jumping to decisions.  Instinct is honed and incorporates taking in the situation at the table.  It involves making decisions in a short amount of time.  Thinking is still involved although long drawn out analysis is not.

The next way to develop your poker instinct is to analyze your losses.  Yes, though we emphasized the importance of making quick decision at the table, there is a place and time for long drawn out thinking – but not at the table.  It is inevitable that at one point or another you will experience a loss or two, maybe more.  Learn from them.  Do not let losses get you down.  Instead, think about how you lost and why you lost.  In doing so, you will be able to find the flaws in your game and then start doing something to get rid of those flaws.

Last, but not the least, think about the reason you like playing poker.  More likely than not you will say something to the effect of having fun, right?  If so, then the thing to do at the table would be to relax and enjoy!  Do not be all uptight only thinking about winning.  Enjoy the whole game and you will learn more things than you thought you would.

Simplifying Things

Written by Nigel

Just like many other activities we engage in, sometimes, being successful in poker is all about simplifying things.  What do I mean by this?  Let’s take a specific variation of poker, say Texas Hold ‘em.  As a beginner, you would probably feel a bit overwhelmed at some point and not get everything about the game.

You have to know the rules, the basics, the strategy, and all that stuff.  Terms, betting, folding, calling, raising, odds, etc. – if you try to process all these factors all at once, the chances are that you are going to go crazy trying to make the best out of your situation.  Hand after hand you just might not get all the points and end up being frustrated.  Add to that the statistics, the math, and things can get really complicated.

This is not to say that you should not take the time to learn all these things, though.  There is no doubt about it, the person who knows the statistics and different strategies will have an edge over the person who does not study anything.  However, there are times when gut feel and simple thinking is all you need.

Basically, all the decision making processes happen during betting rounds.  There are countless different situations in poker of course.  Yet always remember, when things get tough, maybe it is not the time to over analyze the situation.  Maybe you would be better off making simple decisions.  Think about it and try it the next time you play poker.

Super System

Written by Nigel

I have to tell you, poker nuts just have to have this book – or at least read it.  Though it was written ages ago, well about 30 years in fact, Doyle Brunson’s book is still one of the leading poker strategy books.  Super System made it to the top of the poker books list when it was released and is still quite relevant today.

For those who have not read Super System, here is a short synopsis of what you can learn from it.  First, summon up all your courage and bring it to the table.  Try to be more courageous than everyone else at the table.  Next, do not hesitate to play a loose game, especially when you have super disciplined players with you.  in relation to this, you should take control of the table by playing aggressively.  Do not hold back.  On the other hand, take note of the other players.  When playing against weak ones, play a certain strategy.  When playing against strong players, change tactics.  Flexibility is the key.

That about sums it up.  The specifics of how to do these things, you can read it up.  The book is still available in online stores.  If you do not want to shell out the money, try borrowing it from friends or your local library.  Poker beginners will definitely get a lot out of the book while seasoned players will definitely hone their game.  Let’s learn from the master – if you are trying to hone your skills, begin with this book.

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