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.