Poker Strategy
Welcome to our Poker Strategy Articles section. Poker is a game of strategy. Anyone that tells you differently is ignorant or a losing poker player. If you study the game and the strategies, you will understand the tactics to becoming a winning player, improve your game, and ultimately win money. We at ITH have accumulated the most comprehensive collection of texas holdem articles to help you learn, gain confidence and most importantly WIN.
We incorporate strategiy discussions on everything from playing hands to winning the mental game. Peruse the sub-categories here or browse all our strategy articles below.
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Bluffing in the WSOP Main Event Part I
the strategic advantages of having large chip stacks in the World Series of Poker main event, highlighting specific hands the author played, including a memorable bluff against a solid player and the dynamics of playing against poker legend Doyle Brunson
Limit Hold’em Quiz
Playing the Nuts Most players love to discuss hands when the value of a hand is not very clear.
The Complete Guide to Playing Poker Maniacs
strategies and tips for playing poker against aggressive players, often referred to as "poker maniacs," emphasizing the importance of patience, position, and hand selection
The Basic Floats in PLO
strategies of floating in pot-limit Omaha, discussing various types of floats such as the naked float, weak-stab float, and semibluff float
Positional Advantage in Pot-Limit Omaha
the inherent advantage of position in poker, emphasizing that the ambiguity of a bet from a late position, such as the button, can naturally deceive opponents, making them more likely to make mistakes, especially when they perceive the bet as a potential steal
Profile of a Typical Omaha Hi-Lo Fish
common characteristics of inexperienced Omaha Hi-Lo players, highlighting their tendencies to play too loosely, misconceptions about hand quality and pot dynamics, and their lack of adaptability to the changing value of hands post-flop, ultimately providing insights into how seasoned players can exploit these weaknesses
PLO Quiz 2
pot-limit Omaha poker scenarios set in a game at Excalibur in Las Vegas, offering readers multiple-choice questions on the best course of action in each situation
Pot-Limit Omaha Hand Quiz
Playing top two pair, and the nut-flush draw - Here are a couple of hands from a $2-$5 game at The Venetian in Las Vegas.
Structuring Sustainable Small-Stakes
guidelines on how to structure a sustainable small-stakes pot-limit Omaha (PLO) game, emphasizing the importance of setting a maximum buy-in, avoiding straddles, and ensuring that games are played with deep stacks to prevent short-stacking
PLO Quiz
Playing with the initiative, making a combination-call, and value-betting the river - It's a five-handed 50¢-$1 pot-limit Omaha game online (six-max).
Pot-Limit Omaha Hand Quiz 3
insights into post-flop strategies in Pot-Limit Omaha, focusing on the importance of understanding opponent behavior, the value of the positional advantage, and the effectiveness of bluff-raising when faced with potential air bets
Omaha Hi-Lo Odds – Put Tilt in Perspective
the importance of aligning poker expectations with statistical realities, particularly in Omaha Hi-Lo, discussing how players often tilt due to unrealistic hopes, and providing insights into the probabilities of certain hand outcomes during the game to help players make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes
What do you do when you know you are beat?
discusses the strategic depth of poker, emphasizing the importance of reading opponents and understanding when to exploit perceived weaknesses, even when you believe your hand is inferior
Reflections on My Results at the 2008 World Series of Poker
personal experiences and disappointments during the 2008 World Series of Poker, emphasizing the unpredictability of tournament outcomes despite thorough preparation
Playing Against the Blinds in Pot-Limit Omaha
insights into the strategy of playing against the blinds in pot-limit Omaha, emphasizing the importance of continuation betting, the decision-making process when on the button, and the factors to consider when deciding to raise or limp in
Pot-Limit Omaha: The PokerTek Angle
he potential of pot-limit Omaha (PLO) games in Las Vegas, emphasizing the advantages of PokerTek's electronic poker tables in making PLO more accessible and affordable for players, and how these tables can cater to both new and existing poker players by offering smaller stakes games
Winning Preflop in Omaha Hi-Lo
the importance of selective hand choice in Omaha Hi-Lo poker, highlighting that many beginners' primary mistake is playing too many starting hands, and underscores the value of well-coordinated hands that can win in both high and low directions, ultimately stressing that a player's edge largely comes from superior preflop decisions compared to opponents
Schooling – Playing in Loose Poker Games
the concept of "schooling" in poker, where a group of poor players, referred to as "fish," collectively protect each other in a game, making it challenging for skilled players to win
Why Every Poker Player is Unlucky
the inherent role of luck in poker, arguing that every player experiences both good and bad luck in various forms, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing these nuances, avoiding the trap of selective memory, and focusing on making informed decisions rather than dwelling on perceived injustices in the game
Poker Psychology : Rationalizing Decisions
the concept of rationalizing in poker, explaining how players often justify their decisions based on emotions or impulses rather than logical reasoning, emphasizing the importance of making decisions based on long-term expectations and the dangers of relying solely on instinct
Some Pot-Limit Omaha Hands
detailed strategy analysis of specific hands played in a pot-limit Omaha game at The Venetian in Las Vegas, illustrating various scenarios such as a delayed double-barrel bluff on a paired board, picking off a bluff by check-calling, and executing a delayed dry-ace bluff
Playing Pocket Pairs in Tournaments
various strategies and considerations for playing small to medium pocket pairs in poker tournaments, emphasizing the importance of understanding the situation and adapting one's play accordingly
Pot-Limit Omaha: Game Selection in Live Play
the challenges and considerations of selecting the right pot-limit Omaha (PLO) games in live settings, emphasizing the rapid scaling of stakes, the impact of uncapped buy-ins and the straddle option
The Nut-Flush Draw
the strength and strategy of playing the nut-flush draw in pot-limit Omaha, illustrating its power against various hand combinations, even when up against strong hands like A-A-X-X
Playing Sit n Go’s for Profit
chronicles the author's journey from initial online poker losses to eventual success, emphasizing the profitability of Sit 'N' Go tournaments
Three-Betting Preflop
strategic nuances of three-betting with marginal hands in poker, using hand examples from three different authors to illustrate the thought processes and considerations behind such plays
Poker Table Chat
the intricacies of online poker table chat, recommending caution as it can inadvertently reveal strategies, but also highlighting its potential strategic benefits
Tough Limit Holdem Strategy
the evolving landscape of poker, emphasizing that while the game has become more challenging over the years, there are still opportunities to exploit various player types, from the traditional loose-passive fish to the more refined tight-aggressive players
Beating Fish in Limit Holdem
strategies on how to effectively play against three types of inexperienced poker players: the overaggressive, the limper, and the predictable, offering insights on recognizing and adapting to each type to maximize profit opportunities in higher stakes games
River Bluffs in Limit Hold’em
the strategy of bluffing on the river in limit hold'em, emphasizing the importance of recognizing situations where bluffing can be profitable, even if it doesn't succeed every time
The Power of the Big Draw
the strength and strategic advantages of having big drawing hands in Omaha poker, particularly in deep-stack situations, explaining how these hands can dominate the game dynamics, allow for aggressive betting without fear of being priced out, and offer significant implied value when they hit
Omaha Hi-Lo Starting Hand Strategy Look-Fors
strategies for selecting and playing specific starting hands in Omaha Hi-Lo poker, emphasizing the importance of card coordination, the value of the ace as a key card, and the considerations for both high and low hand possibilities
The World Series of Poker Bubbles
unique dynamics of various "bubble" situations in the World Series of Poker, highlighting strategies to exploit these phases, especially the day-one bubble and cash bubble, where players' risk-averse behaviors can be leveraged for advantage
Fixing World Series of Poker Structures for PLO
discusses the disparities in starting stack depths between pot-limit Omaha (PLO) and no-limit hold'em (NLH) tournaments at the World Series of Poker, arguing that PLO tournaments should have deeper starting stacks to be comparable to their NLH counterparts
Weaving Through 9,999 Opponents
author's experience in a $100K Holiday freeroll poker tournament at Full Tilt Poker, detailing the strategies employed, challenges faced, and the unexpected luck that led to a triumphant win among 10,000 participants
PLO Quiz 3
A low SPR situation - Excerpt from Jeff’s book, Advanced Pot-Limit Omaha Volume II: LAG Play and The Short-Handed Workbook.
Starting Hand Chart
detailed hand charts to guide players on how to optimally play their starting hands in Texas Holdem, offering specific strategies based on one's position at the table and emphasizing the significance of making informed preflop decisions to gain an edge over opponents
Pot-Limit Omaha: The Future is Near
the rising popularity of pot-limit Omaha (PLO) in the poker world, highlighting its potential to become the next big trend in poker due to its action-packed nature and the blurred line between "made hand" and "drawing hand."
Don’t make the Biggest Mistake in Short-Handed Limit Holdem
the critical error many players make in shorthanded limit games: merely calling a raise against a single opponent
Limit Holdem Bluffing : A Version of the Delayed Bluff
the strategy of using a delayed bluff in poker, particularly in limit hold'em, where a player checks a strong-looking flop with the intention of bluffing on a later street, leveraging the opponent's perception and confusion to win pots
Why Do Players Go on Tilt?
the psychological and emotional reasons behind poker players going on tilt, emphasizing that while bad beats and losses can trigger tilt, other factors like emotions, fatigue, boredom, and even alcohol can also contribute
Gambler or Gamer : What Attracts People to Poker
the motivations behind why individuals play poker, categorizing them into two main groups: 'gamblers' who are drawn to the thrill of uncertainty and potential monetary gains, and 'gamers' who are more interested in the strategic and competitive aspects of the game
Poker Bankroll Mistakes that Cost the Most
significant mistakes poker players make concerning their bankrolls, emphasizing the importance of proper bankroll management, avoiding distractions from other casino games, the dangers of poor game selection, and the negative impact of berating less skilled players
Poker Bankroll Management : Will I Go Broke?
intricacies of managing a poker bankroll, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions, understanding variance and earn rate, and adopting strategies to minimize the risk of depleting one's bankroll, while also discussing the balance between short-term variance and long-term earn rate in determining optimal play and bankroll strategies
Shorthanded Pot-Limit Omaha
common mistakes players make in shorthanded pot-limit Omaha games, such as defending blinds too liberally, making large preflop raises from out of position, and not being aggressive enough
The Reverse Float
the concept of "reverse float" in poker, which refers to floating from an out-of-position stance, highlighting its risks and offering guidelines for its execution
Quiz: Wrap, Bare Nut Straight Heads Up
scenario-based quiz on pot-limit Omaha poker strategy, focusing on decision-making in a heads-up game, with detailed explanations for each choice
Las Vegas Pot-Limit Omaha
introduction of a small-stakes pot-limit Omaha (PLO) game at The Venetian poker room in Las Vegas, detailing the specific structure of the game, the reasons for choosing The Venetian as the venue, and the game's growing popularity among players
6 Reasons to Start Playing Omaha Hi Lo
the advantages of playing Pot Limit Omaha Hi Lo, highlighting its simplicity compared to other poker games, the opportunity to beat loose games at low limits, its lower variance, the excitement it offers, its suitability for bonus chasers, and how it can expand a player's poker horizons
Turbo SNG Tips
insights into the strategies and adaptations required for playing Turbo Sit and Go (SNG) poker tournaments, emphasizing the importance of adjusting one's game through different blind levels, from early and middle play to bubble and heads-up play
Why Pot-Limit Omaha Games Must Get Smaller
the importance of structuring smaller-stakes pot-limit Omaha (PLO) games to ensure the game's growth, highlighting the challenges players face when overplaying their bankrolls and the need for sustainable PLO games that protect players from going broke
Seat Selection in PLO
the importance of choosing the right seat in Pot-Limit Omaha poker, highlighting the strategic advantage of having tight players on one's left and aggressive players or those with bigger stacks on the right, to optimize control and play with positional advantage
When to Raise Draws for Value
strategic considerations of when to raise or call with drawing hands in poker, emphasizing the importance of understanding the value of one's draw in relation to the number of opponents and pot dynamics, while also touching on concepts like semibluffing and seeking free cards
What Makes a Bad Poker Player
characteristics and traits that can hinder a person's success in poker, emphasizing the importance of mathematical understanding, discipline, long-term perspective, emotional stability, and ethical considerations
Poker Stop Losses : When Should I Stop Playing
reasons and circumstances under which poker players should consider ending their gaming sessions, emphasizing that the primary reasons to quit are either not playing at one's best or being in a game that can't be beaten
Is Poker Gambling or Skill?
the longstanding debate regarding poker's classification, examining whether it's predominantly a game of chance or skill, and highlights that while poker involves elements of both luck and strategy, it's the blend of these factors that makes it unique, challenging the traditional definitions of gambling
AP Newswire May 24, 2025: Joshua Hilger takes home the 2025 WSOP
Joshua Hilger takes home the 2025 WSOP - just a fun hypothetical folks!
Limit Hold’em Tips : The Secrets of Success
evolution of online poker and the author's personal journey, emphasizing the significance of observational and categorization skills in the game, the pitfalls of multitabling without these skills, and the importance of understanding table dynamics
Poker Pitfalls Resulting From a Faulty Mindset
while technical skills in poker are essential, many players fail to achieve success due to mindset issues such as not accepting the realities of poker, being short-term focused, playing with fear, letting ego interfere, and not continually improving their game
Winning the Full Tilt Poker $750,000 Event
the author's experience and strategies in winning the Full Tilt Poker tournament, emphasizing the importance of "restealing" and highlighting specific hands that played a crucial role in their victory
Are Satellite Tournaments a Good or Bad Value?
the value and strategy of playing in satellite poker tournaments, cautioning players against entering satellites where they'd be outmatched in the main event, and emphasizing that while satellites offer a chance to play in bigger tournaments, they often lead to suboptimal play due to the high stakes and unfamiliarity with deep-stack dynamics
Am I Delusional?
author's poker strategy after bluffing off 125 big blinds, analyzing the hand in detail, and seeking feedback from the poker community to determine if the play was justified or a result of delusional thinking
Short Stack Strategy in Limit Holdem
the importance of understanding how to play against short-stacked players in limit hold'em, emphasizing that while many players overlook this aspect, it's crucial to adjust one's strategy when facing opponents with smaller stacks
Who is the Most Confident?
the pros and cons of multi-tabling versus playing at higher stakes in poker
Poker Tilt Tips : Your Guilty Conscience
psychological aspects of poker tilt, likening it to the conflicting voices of temptation and reason, as portrayed in Eminem's song "Guilty Conscience"
One Year as a Professional Poker Player
leaving a traditional office job to becoming a full-time poker player, detailing the challenges, financial ups and downs, lessons learned, and the personal adjustments required for this unconventional career
Re-buy Tournament Strategy
the tactics and considerations for playing in Re-buy & Add-on (R&A) poker tournaments, emphasizing the distinct playstyle during the first hour, the importance of strategic re-buys and add-ons, and the need to adapt to the aggressive nature of such tournaments
Variable-Ratio Reinforcement
psychological concept of variable-ratio reinforcement, explaining how it's used in gambling scenarios like slot machines to regulate player behavior, and hints at its application in pot-limit Omaha poker, particularly in relation to continuation-betting strategies
Using Ranges to Make Better Decisions
introduces the concept of "ranges" in poker, explaining how players can assign a set of potential hands to their opponents based on observed actions, and then refine these ranges as the hand progressesLet’s Play Poker!
