The final stage of any Holdem Tournament

Almost without exception the final stage of a Holdem tournament comes down to two players with a ton of chips playing Heads Up.  This is far different than at the beginning of the tournament when each player had the starting stake.  Heads up is different in play and starting hand value.  Players try to take away the power of the other player's hand by betting aggressively.  The starting hands are not even noted in poker books in many hands, as they are so low in quality.  The play at times seems to be a card version of the game of chicken and who is the best bluffer.

If a player gets a quality stating hand, they can only hope that their opponent has one too, only of lower value.  At this stage of the game, the players are ready to end it as quickly as is possible.  A lowly pair may generate a rather large bet after the flop and the other player never knows for sure whether the better is bluffing or they have a hand.  To make it worse, give the caller a small pair that is just a bit higher than the better.  This is the way the final part of tournaments usually goes. [Read][more...]

When to move up in the table limits in Holdem

New players to Holdem should start at a limit that is well within their stake money and only move up in limits when they are consistently winning at the starting level.  As a player moves up in the table limits the opponents will become tougher to beat.  The higher the limit of play usually means more playing experience.  New players should take this into consideration when deciding to play at a higher limit.  The one valid reason that a player should make the move is they have been winning at the lower limit.  Another factor is the fact that the player may have the resources to play at just about any limit.  But make no mistake about it; each limit will raise the playing skill of the players that a player has to play against.

In tournaments it does not matter, as the only consideration is the entry stake and tournament fee.   In a cash game the higher limits can be somewhat intimidating to a new player if they start out on a losing streak.   This may well happen as the skill level will be better and this could make a big difference to an inexperienced player. [Read][more...]

Early position betting in Holdem

The betting that a player makes in the early position at a Holdem cash game is different from a late position bet.  A good hand may be played softly in hopes that there is a chance to raise before the flop.  A weak pair should be played softly in case there is a later raise.  Small pairs can be a big winner if the flop gives you a set.  If you are playing a rush, then you may consider reraising.  Early position is always a dangerous position as there is a possible raise from later positions.  Consider this when deciding to play a hand from the early position at the table.

When the flop gives you a monster hand, be aggressive in your betting, but remember you can still be beat by a good draw. With a mortal lock then there is no fear and slow playing is in order from the early position.  Your hope is a later positioned player will raise your bet or try to bluff you out of your hand.  This is a great way to make a better profit from a winning hand. [Read][more...]

When to make a large bet in No Limit

No Limit poker is an exercise in skill and courage.   Either alone is not enough to make a player a winner.  Knowing when to bet or how much, takes time and experience to learn.  A player with four of a kind early in a Holdem game is a fool to make a large bet early.   This kind of a hand should be played to gain maximum payoff.  Slow playing solid hand will gain more profit than making a large bet.   Just call other player's bets is the way to play this hand.  Only on your last bet should you raise and try to get another player or players to call.  This rare hand should get maximum profit from the other players.

A large bet can be made when you have four to a flush and a pair of Aces.   This bet may win the hand right then or at least you have the best of it with the coming deal.  Making large wagers when you have the edge is the way to gain maximum profit from good hands.  A drawing edge is a reasonable place to make a bigger wager. [Read][more...]