Poker Pro-Tips: From Fish to Shark
Stop Falling in Love with “Trash” Hands
Most losers play 40% of their hands because they’re bored. Stop it. If you aren’t holding premium paint or a solid pocket pair, just Fold. Playing “Tight” means you only enter the pot when you have the mathematical edge. When you finally move, they’ll be terrified of you.
Be the Aggressor
If you’re the first one in the pot, never just “Call” the big blind. Raise it. Limping is for fish. Raising gives you two ways to win: you either hit the best hand, or you force everyone else to fold and take the “dead money” right then and there.
Target the “Calling Stations”
Every table has that one guy who refuses to fold and calls every bet with bottom pair. Do not bluff this guy. You can’t bluff someone who doesn’t know how to fold. Instead, wait until you hit a monster, value-bet the hell out of him, and let him pay for your next vacation.
Exploit Your Position
The Button is your best friend. When you’re the last to act, you have all the information. If the whole table checks to you, they’re screaming “I’m weak!” That’s your cue to fire a bet and scoop the pot, even if you’re holding air.
Check Your Ego at the Door
If you start playing angry, you’re going to make stupid “All-ins” and go bust. If the steam starts rising, sit out for 10 minutes. The game isn’t going anywhere, but your bankroll might.