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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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
Some Mistakes Down Under
author's experiences and strategic errors during poker tournaments in Melbourne, particularly during the Aussie Millions event, emphasizing the importance of decision-making, pot odds, and risk assessment, while also highlighting the vibrant poker scene and unique personalities in the Australian and New Zealand poker community
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
Playing With the Initiative After the Flop in PLO
the dynamics of post-flop play in Pot-Limit Omaha when a player has taken the preflop initiative, emphasizing the importance of balancing continuation-betting with taking free cards based on the number of players in the pot and the trickiness of opponents
The Realities of a Re-buy Tournament
insights into the strategies and considerations for playing in Re-buy and Add-on (R&A) poker tournaments, emphasizing the importance of managing one's bankroll, understanding the dynamics of the initial re-buy phase, and adapting to the aggressive playstyle often seen in these tournaments
Leaks in Limit Holdem : Plugging the Right Leaks
guides players on identifying and rectifying weaknesses in their limit hold'em game by categorizing leaks based on their frequency and magnitude
The Journey : Stages of Poker Development
the various stages a poker player goes through in their journey, from being a complete beginner to achieving mastery, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, self-awareness, and the drive to improve
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
Automated Poker
the transformative impact of automated shufflers and electronic poker tables, such as PokerPro, on the live poker experience, emphasizing their ability to speed up the game, enhance player experience, and merge the benefits of online and live poker
Quiz: Playing with the Initiative, Combination-Call, and Value-Betting River
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 2
detailed analysis of a specific pot-limit Omaha hand, emphasizing the importance of understanding when to take a free card
High Value Limit Holdem Bluffs
the art of bluffing in limit hold'em, discussing its significance in modern, tighter games and presenting five specific situations where bluffing can yield significant equity
More Poker Lessons From My Daughter
author's experiences teaching his daughters poker, highlighting a particular game where one daughter's play style was perceived as fearless and unpredictable
Following Through in PLO
the importance of maintaining betting momentum in pot-limit Omaha, suggesting that once players initiate a bet, they should continue to play as if they have the strongest hand until an opponent challenges them
New Zealand Blues
the author's experience during a two-week vacation to New Zealand, where he participated in the New Zealand Poker Championships
Skills Learned Playing Short-Handed Limit Holdem
the unique skills and strategies required for short-handed limit hold'em, highlighting the importance of player categorization, adaptability, and aggression, while also discussing the benefits of playing in such settings, including the ability to better read opponents and capitalize on their mistakes
The Danger of Optimism : Texas Holdem Odds
cautions poker players against the pitfalls of excessive optimism, explaining that while a positive mindset can be beneficial in many life situations, in poker, overestimating odds or making assumptions based on hope rather than logical analysis can lead to suboptimal strategies and significant losses
Small Buy-in Tournaments on the Internet
contrasts the accessibility and advantages of online No-Limit Hold’em tournaments with live tournaments, highlighting the diverse opportunities online platforms offer for players of varying skill levels and bankroll
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
Final Table Training for the WSOP Main Event
chronicles the preparation journey of Darus Suharto for the World Series of Poker main event, where he secured sixth place, and highlights the unique training approach adopted
Winning the PokerStars Nightly 100K
the author's experience and strategy in navigating the PokerStars Nightly Hundred Grand tournament, highlighting key hands played, decisions made, and the challenges faced during the heads-up battle
Poker Bankroll Strategy : Wipeout
the challenging reality that poker players might face when they lose their entire bankroll, emphasizing the importance of understanding the reasons behind such losses, whether it's due to skill level, tilt, poor bankroll management, or sheer bad luck
NFL Betting Tips – One More for the Road
advice on NFL betting, emphasizing the importance of understanding subtle edges, recommending specific betting strategies like six-point teasers on home teams, and highlighting the significance of line variations, and stressing the need to join multiple betting sites to get the best odds and take advantage of bonuses
PLO Practice-Hand Quiz No. 2
Raising preflop, the combo float, and value-betting the river It's a $1-$2 blinds game, $5 to bring in.
Staying in School and Poker as a Career
the importance of completing one's education before considering poker as a full-time career, highlighting the risks and challenges of professional poker, the evolving nature of the game, and the potential long-term implications of a career gap on one's résumé
How Not to Tilt
guidance on managing emotions and maintaining a positive mindset during poker games, emphasizing the importance of understanding the game's nature, preparing for losses, and viewing setbacks as learning opportunities to enhance one's skills and strategies in Omaha high/low
Playing Trash Hands in Limit Hold’em
strategies for playing weak hands in limit hold'em, emphasizing that while playing strong hands is straightforward, there are situations where players might have no significant hand post-flop but can still leverage opportunities to bluff or steal pots, especially when considering pot odds, opponent tendencies, and the number of players in the hand
Choosing a Poker Site : Decision, Decisions, Decisions
the various considerations and decisions a poker player should make before starting a game, including selecting the right poker site, game type, table format, betting structure, and even factors like the time of day to play
Poker Tips for Beginners : Three Decisions that are Never Wrong
guidance on three fundamental decisions in poker that are almost always correct: not revealing your cards unless required, refraining from engaging in table chat to avoid giving away information, and consistently playing strong hands aggressively
Poker Luck and Skill : Variance or Bad Play?
the intertwined roles of luck and skill in poker, emphasizing that both factors contribute to a player's results
Draw Equity vs Float Equity – Part II
nuances of float equity in poker, contrasting it with draw equity, and underscores how float equity, derived from fold equity and opponent information, can have significant value in certain game situations, but its effectiveness is highly contingent on the playing style of opponents
Stack Size is Everything in Tournaments
how different stack sizes relative to the blinds can dictate varying strategies, from aggressive all-in pushes to more cautious play, and emphasizes the need for adaptability in both short-stack and deep-stack situations to optimize tournament performance
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
Lose Weight while Playing Poker!
unique approach to combining exercise and poker, detailing how using an elliptical machine positioned in front of a computer monitor allowed him to play online poker while working out
Poker Psychology : Logical Fallacies
common logical fallacies that poker players often fall victim to, emphasizing the importance of clear, logical thinking for success at the poker table and warning against making decisions based on flawed reasoning or misconceptions
The Mississippi Straddle
intricacies of the Mississippi Straddle in pot-limit Omaha (PLO) poker, explaining its advantages when combined with advanced positional skills, especially the float, and contrasts it with the under-the-gun (UTG) straddle
C-Bet Frequency in PLO
strategy of continuation betting in pot-limit Omaha (PLO) poker, emphasizing that the frequency of such bets should be tailored to the opponent's tendencies
Switching from Limit to No-Limit Holdem
discusses the author's transition from playing limit hold'em to no-limit cash games, highlighting the key differences between the two formats and offering tips for limit players considering making the switch
PokerTek, Excalibur, and the PLO Revolution
the introduction of small-stakes pot-limit Omaha games on PokerPro electronic tables at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, emphasizing the advantages of electronic tables in facilitating smaller pot-limit Omaha games
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
Working in Your Underwear: The Pitfalls of Comfort
the potential pitfalls of becoming too comfortable while playing online poker, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a disciplined posture and behavior to avoid developing bad habits that could be detrimental in live games, and offers strategies to ensure one remains engaged and alert during online sessions
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
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 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.
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
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
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
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 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
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
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 gamesLet’s Play Poker!