Mon, 08/15/2011 – 06:02 – PokerPages Staff

Every poker player bets with, and plays by, their own poker rules and strategies. However, as a beginner poker player there are a few points you should be aware of that are universal within this game.

Recklessness
Avoid playing recklessly. If you want to take the game seriously and bet with really money then this is important: you need to be disciplined and make good decisions.

Making mistakes
As a beginner poker player you’re bound to make mistakes. However, resist dwelling on them and move on. If you want to get better at poker then it’s good to make errors but then learn from them.

Playing like a fish
‘Fish’, or ‘calling stations’ as they’re otherwise known, are notorious for calling when they realize they’ve been beaten and, therefore, end up handing out a lot of money. Any money you lose adds up eventually. So, even though it might be cheap to stay in it doesn’t automatically mean that it’s the best move.

Rushed decisions
A great aspect about poker betting is that you can take your time: think over your decisions carefully, consider all the information and don’t be tempted to rush in.

Poor cards
A common mistake made by beginner poker players, especially online, is playing a poor hand. Occasionally they can work against your opponents. However, it makes more sense to stick with good hands.

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Fri, 08/05/2011 – 23:12 – PokerPages Staff

Many people talk about poker bluffing but not many people can do it well, especially as a beginner poker player. Everybody bluffs in their own way but here are a number of general poker rules to help you out.

Only a few opponents: in this situation the chance that someone has a good hand are reduced. Therefore, you can bluff that you do and hope the others fold.

Tight opponents: such players only stay in if their hand is good. Therefore, you could make out that you have a good hand to make resist betting. However, if one of them calls you then they’re probably able to beat you.

Missed draws: if you’ve noticed that a drawing hand has been overlooked once you’re reached the river then you should consider bluffing. This is especially the case if you’re holding a small pair or an ace in the hole.

On the button: if you’re seated in this position (the last one betting) and all the other players have checked then you can presume that many will fold. If your only other players are the small and big blinds then you can try and steal them. However, players may call if they realize you’re doing this.

Flop shows a pair: if this happens and you’re in the late position with no further bets then you could bluff that you’ve made a set. This is known as ‘adopting the orphans’.

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