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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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
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
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"
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
New Zealand Blues
the author's experience during a two-week vacation to New Zealand, where he participated in the New Zealand Poker Championships
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
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
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
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.
Mixed Hold’em
introduces a new form of poker that combines elements of limit, pot-limit, and no-limit hold'em, aiming to create more post-flop action and excitement for both players and viewers, with the game transitioning from limit play pre-flop, to pot-limit on the flop, and finally to no-limit on the turn and river, thus emphasizing post-flop skills and offering a dynamic playing experience
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
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
Profiling Errors
common mistakes players make when profiling their poker opponents, such as stereotyping based on initial perceptions, giving undue weight to early observations (primacy effect), and making assumptions based on one's own characteristics (projection)
Raising Draws for Value in Limit Holdem
the strategic nuances of when to raise or call with drawing hands in limit hold'em, emphasizing that players often undervalue their big draws on the flop and that understanding the best hand isn't always about having a made hand, but rather the hand with the highest probability of winning by the river
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
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
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
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
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
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).
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Limit Hold’em Quiz
Playing the Nuts Most players love to discuss hands when the value of a hand is not very clear.
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 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
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
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
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
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
Poker Tracker Tips : Tracking Your Progress as a Beginner
offers guidance for novice Texas Hold'em players on utilizing PokerTracker software to monitor and enhance their gameplay
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
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 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
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 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
Who is the Most Confident?
the pros and cons of multi-tabling versus playing at higher stakes in poker
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.
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
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 gameLet’s Play Poker!