World of Poker

When you are playing the game with texas holdem chips, you must be aware that your every action, the bet you face or the hand you play has odds, statistics and probability connected to it. You need to have the basic knowledge of these calculations and if you are good at mathematics, it is great.

However the game is very simple at the core and this helps you make simple equations of the chip sets and if your maths is weak, do not worry. Firstly you have to figure out your pot odds, which is the amount of money in the pot evaluated to the amount of money you have to pay so that you stay in the hand.

Now you have to calculate your equity that is your chances of winning as compared to your opponent’s. Now you have to decide when to make a call and the best time is when your pot odds number exceeds your equity number but do not make a call if the pots odds number is lower than your equity number.

When it comes to poker play my personal belief in terms of how much preparation is required depends on the context of the next game that I know I’ll be playing. The biggest determining factor for me is whether I am playing in a texas holdem poker tournament or a poker cash game where you will find each poker chip set at a monetary value that will not change. Also, if I’ve done something like planned a big trip to Las Vegas chip values go up across the board and I am more likely to spend more time prepping.

I find a specific poker tournament is more likely to get me into preparation mode. The reason for this is it is more of a structured event. From my point of view a poker tournament is more like a set game similar to something like a football game. There is a predetermined beginning and end. There are predetermined blind structures where the cash value per each clay poker chip will change. So, therefore you have a general idea going into it a structure, which is always easier to prepare for.

I read a great article about poker the game of preparation which better explains poker preparation strategies.

At the poker tables, the theory of watching players’ eyes as the flop comes down should also be carried forward to the turn. Watching players’ eyes give you insight into what they are thinking and feeling. It also gives you the foundation for reading what their cards are when combining this information with what you learn on the turn.

This is a much simpler to accomplish to accumulate a nice stack of poker chips then most would think. Just start out by applying common sense to what you derive. Like anything, it’s almost inevitable that the learning process will cost some chips. Find comfort in that the knowledge gained will make the loss of each casino chip at least a good investment.

A simple example follows. You have pocket Aces with a heart and a diamond. I use Aces for an example because this is a hand one needs to learn to fold if necessary so you don’t lose every last clay chip. You watch your opponent’s eyes as an all spade flop drops. File that reaction in the memory banks. A spade falls on the turn as you are once again watching the same pair of eyes. File that reaction also in the memory banks. Compare the two reactions. All of the information you need has been provided to you on a silver platter.

Read my article on poker made easy to learn more about this wonderful game.

Whether you’re playing against some of the greatest poker players in the world or just another Average Joe, you can’t let anyone get in your head. Once you get the chip lead at the table, someone will constantly be trying to get in your head. You have to keep playing your game, because your game got you that chip lead, and your game can keep it too, no matter what anyone is saying to you. Keeping a cool head is one of the most important things you can do at the table, no matter how much money you’re playing for or who it’s against.

A lot of times you’ll run into the professionals and at first, they can be a little intimidating. You have the same chances as they do as long as you don’t let them break down your game. It’s the same with the hecklers of the game; you have to keep your cool. Frustration will set in on them, because they’re not pulling you out of your comfort zone, getting your chips, and if they can’t pull you out of your zone, you can beat them. Poker is a game of numbers and judgment and as long as you don’t break down, you have the same chance of winning as the next guy, let the cards decide.