Fri, 02/25/2011 – 03:36 – PokerPages Staff

#5 – Change in betting pattern
You cannot see your opponents’ faces online but you can watch their deeds.  A sudden change in playing pattern is a good sign of weakness; someone who has been smoothly playing several tables simultaneously will send out a message if they suddenly stall.  The reverse is also true.  Something’s up.

#4 – Virtual Tilt
Forget about the more colorful pros you have seen on the net or on TV.  If a player is ranting and bullying online, he substituting words for intimidating looks – and telling you he is a bad player.  Some will rage about they’re geniuses being thwarted by rigged software – but then, a bad workman always blames his tools.  However, keep your cool – he is just told he is playing on tilt and will probably lose.  Big-time.

#3 – Bad Behavior Bragging
This is related to #4.  Anyone who seems proud of the fact their chat has been revoked is trying to say, “I’m the daddy.”  However, he is actually saying, “It doesn’t take much to get me on tilt.”  Try complementing the winning hand politely – the bad behavior bragger will likely go into meltdown.

#2 – The Einstein Syndrome
Anyone who wishes to impart his genius-level knowledge of the game to all and sundry is again trying to say one thing (“Bow before the Master”) but actually ends up saying something totally different – “I’m compensating for being an ignoramus.”  You can usually tell, because this gold-plated advice is usually revealed in moments as disastrously wrong.

#1 – Carping and Gloating
Copper-bottomed tells, these: players who whine endlessly about their online misfortunes to a bunch of virtual strangers who do not want to know are openly declaring their feebleness as players.  Equally, if a player has to brag after a win, the chances are that he is a weak-tight player (consistent winners just don’t need to boast).

Thu, 02/24/2011 – 03:12 – PokerPages Staff

There are tools of poker beyond the poker rules that the beginner poker player should have in their toolbox.  The check-raise is one such tool.  The use of a Check-Raise can advance the play of the novice player.  So hold on tight, let’s examine this poker betting strategy.

Basic poker strategy tells us that checking indicates weakness.  In general, this is likely true, but checking with a strong holding opens up the opportunity to check-raise your opponent.

The check-raise is the poker term for a deceptive play where a player holding a strong hand checks early in the round of betting, with the hopes that an opponent will open the poker betting, only to turn around and raise the bettor.

Before you make the decision to check-raise, you must consider some factors.  The strength of your hand is very important to a successful check-raise.  Table position must be taken into consideration; early position allows you to gain information about the relative strength of your opponents’ hands.  Your table image is important.  If you are thought to be a solid player, your check-raise will be seen as strength and will thin out your opponents.  If you are viewed as a loose cannon, you will likely get calls that have the potential to suck out and win.  Finally, consider your opponents at the table.  Loose players play more hands, often weaker hands, with the hope of hitting the board and beating your strong holding.

Successful use of a check-raise can be hugely profitable.  Use it only under the correct circumstances to maximize profits.

To learn more, check out PokerSchoolOnline, the best source on the internet for poker related learning.  Then put those skills to work by playing for free at PokerStars.net.  Also, check out the PokerPages sections Poker Information and Poker Articles for more poker information, tips and strategies.