Wed, 08/17/2011 – 06:07 – PokerPages Staff

As a beginner poker player, the chances of you being the underdog are very high. This, of course, is not the best situation. However, there are certain tactics that can help you out.

Creating the right image

Try and pigeonhole yourself as a tight player. Only play very good hands at first, so that with any large bets you present your opponents fold. Once you’ve made this impression, you can bluff as much as you want and win yourself some small pots.

Choose the right buy-in

Don’t choose a buy-in that is too large for you. Your betting will be tainted with fear and you probably won’t make the right decisions. However, if you’re at such a table, a good move is to convince your opponents that you’re not afraid to lose. For example, if you know your opponent won’t call, go all-in. This will make the other players more wary.

Playing the fish

If you’re the only beginner poker player at the table, your opponents will no doubt underestimate your skill. Play with this assumption and make yourself look worse before taking all their money. The traits of a fish are running after flush draws and holding onto aces. If you discover you always have the ace and suited cards, you can bluff a lot of pots.

Visit PokerSchoolOnline for more betting information and advice or try out your poker skills and some free bets at PokerStars.net.

Tue, 08/16/2011 – 09:39 – PokerPages Staff

Leading female poker player, Leo Margets has joined Lock Poker as the newest member of its PRO Elite team, it was announced on Monday.

The Spaniard, who burst onto the live tournament scene three years ago with a top 30 finish in the World Series of Poker Main Event, spoke of her excitement at the deal in a press release.

“I am incredibly happy and thrilled to join Lock! I am also super proud to be part of a family with so many extraordinary players, this new era that now starts is a huge motivation for me!”

Margets earned $352,832 for that deep run at the Rio Suite and Hotel in Las Vegas in 2008.  Her maiden live tournament triumph followed in 2010 after taking down the Full Tilt Master Series for a $132,000 jackpot.

The former 888 Poker pro team member becomes the first female pro to join the Elite team ranks at Lock Poker. The likes of Chris Moorman, Brett Jungblut, Nicky Evans, Eric Lynch and Matt Stout all represent the popular poker room.

Margets will hope to flourish under the Lock Poker banner and CEO/Owner, Jennifer Larson, is confident that the Barcelona based pro will be an asset to the Merge Gaming Network site.

“Leo is a dream come true for Lock. She is brilliant, driven, incredibly talented and represents the brand perfectly. Having Leo join the team is just another step towards truly becoming the best online poker brand in the world.”