Wed, 08/17/2011 – 06:16 – PokerPages Staff

Many poker players have their own personal superstitions, which are slightly contradictory, considering that most still believe it’s a game of skill.

1. Pocket Aces Can’t Win
Some players believe that ultimately pocket aces will manage to lose more money than they create. Pocket aces are the best starting hand in Texas Hold’em and can either improve or worsen as the flop progresses. Learning to lay down pocket aces when they are likely beat will improve the profitability of the hand.

2. If You Have a Double Ace at Showdown You’re Less Likely to Have it in the Next Hand
Wrong. The deck is shuffled before each hand and you have the exact probability of receiving any two cards on any given deal.

3. Made Hands Always Get Outdrawn During an All-In
If this math-defying logic were true, professional poker players would advise you to push against made hands with draws. Players are more likely to remember the hands in which they were beat rather than the hands when their made hand held up. Sometimes the player with the draw have the straight-up mathematical odds to call the all-in, but they will not make their hand every time. It’s impossible.

4. The Worst Starting Hand is Pocket Jacks
Pocket jacks is a complicated hand for a beginner poker player to play because it’s too tempting to ride them to the end without considering that other players have improved their hands on the flop, turn, and river. If you aren’t raising pre-flop to isolate your opponents giving more people the odds to beat you, and then refusing to lay them down when you are obviously beat, then yes, the worst starting hand is pocket jacks.

5. You Can’t Make any Money When Playing Against Bad Poker Players
Define ‘bad poker player’. What does your list include? Doesn’t bet enough with made hands, or bets high on inferior holdings? Puts all his money in the middle when he is not statistically favored? Plays every hand despite the cost? Pish posh. Learning to manipulate this behavior is way easier than trying to outwit a master of his craft. Consider this myth busted.

Fri, 07/22/2011 – 22:40 – PokerPages Staff

A tactic used by many players is the check-raise technique. This can allow players to build up a larger pot than usual by potentially adding a second cycle of betting to the round.

How it Works
When the first player in a betting round checks, they pass on the opportunity to bet for the time being. The check-raiser checks during the initial betting round with the intention of raising any subsequent bet. This will increase the poker bets in the pot. Check raising is also is an effective tactic used to try to scare off other players.

Warning Signs
The check-raiser uses this technique for one of two reasons, either they are in possession of a monster hand and want to maximize the profitability, or they are bluffing. Keep a close eye on your opponents and utilize the PokerStars notes feature to work out why your opponent is check raising.

Differences in Opinion
While this practice may be frowned upon in some arenas, it continues amidst dividing opinion. Poker Hall of Famer Doyle Brunson is dead against check raising because he believes that it is always more profitable to bet any quality hand. His reasoning is solid; if your opponents do not bet, they get to see the next card free. It also gives away your hand strength.

For more poker information and poker rules for beginner poker players, visit PokerSchoolOnline – the home to future champions.