Tight / Loose & Aggressive / Passive

Pay attention to all the players in the game. Watch who’s playing tight / loose, aggressive / passive. Tight/ Loose describes how many hands a player will play. They are considered TIGHT if they play very few hands, and LOOSE if they play a lot of hands. Passive/ Aggressive describes how often players tend to bet. Passive players prefer to call or check, they do not bet very often. Aggressive players tend to heavily bet their hands.

For a smart beginner, the most profitable games are those that are Loose/ Passive. You tend to play too many weak hands and not to raise often enough when you have strong hands. The toughest games (that all players should aspire to) are those in which players play few hands and bet heavily when they do enter the pot – this is Tight/ Aggressive style (exactly the type you should be cautious of).

Before the flop

Hands to stay with before the flop are: pairs (6-6, 8-8) two face cards (K-J, Q-J) or hands that can help you to make a straight or a flush (7-8, 9-10 of the same suit). Play an ace if it’s accompanied by a card of the same suit or by a 10 or higher, not every time you have it in your hand.

Attention to bluff

Bluff in a late position. In case someone raises in a late position (near or on the button) and you are on the blind, re-raise them a good amount. It is very possible they are just trying to steal your blinds, without having a big hand. This “over the top” poker style is probably the strongest in No-limit Hold’em.

Be patient

Don’t act too quickly, be patient! – this is a rule most players often disregard. When you are about to make an important decision, just take your time, think about what cards the opponent might have, how the betting has gone so far and other clues.

Budget analysis

Play within your float. In order to sit down and play at a certain table you should know that your float must be at least 100 x the big bet. For example $200 is a must in a $1/ $2 game table if you want to maintain yourself during the win/loss fluctuations of your float.

Time management

Some effort and a good time management are very important if you consider to become a winning poker player. Besides the theoretical part - knowing the rules, practical application - many hours of play – is always the best way to learn.

Pleasant atmosphere

A weekly home game. You may test your skills in a very comfortable atmosphere: together with your game partners, once a week at your place. Learning is easier and more pleasant when some of your friends share the same interest.

Good manners

Learn poker etiquette. Players acting rude are disrespected while good manners at the table make the game more pleasant for everybody. Some players feel they can gain an advantage over other players by challenging them but this only shows lack of conviction and lack of respect. After all, quality players will not be affected by this behaviour; except, probably the beginners or less skilled players. Still, don’t chase away the fish! That’s where the money comes from. They will just leave the game together with your money and precious information about your skill level.

Calling bets

Too much bet calling is a major and common mistake that new players often make. But a good poker game means folding and betting who is taking the lead or getting out of the way. Good players fold when they consider they’re behind in a hand and play aggressively when they have a good hand.

Smally game

Change your play and technique periodically. Even if you have to spend some money to do so, don’t play the same way all the time. Good players will “smell” you if you’re around them long enough. So why not misleading them? It will be frustrating for them but profitable for you.