Poker is one of the most engaging, exciting, and lucrative mind games in the world. There are players across the globe who pursue poker as a career and making good money by playing offline and online poker games with real money.
But let’s get one thing straight. It is not possible to win each and every game you play.
So how do the world’s best poker players do it?
How do players like Kunal Patni, Tarun Goyal, Nikita Luther, etc consistently stay ahead of the competition and get good results while we struggle to survive on the game table?
How do they maintain a look of determination and confidence even when they lose a huge pot?
What do they know that we don’t?
The secret is simple – Other than knowledge and skills, these players rigorously follow some basic rules and implement them in each and every game they play.
Here are the questions which we believe every newbie wants to ask these successful players to learn the techniques of improving their winning possibilities on a poker game table:
Q 1. How do they successfully manage their bankroll? And how they deal with variance?
A. Managing money means understanding your limits. Even if you are the smartest and most experienced guy on the table, you cannot eliminate the possibility of getting hits from time to time. That is why it is crucial to practice healthy bankroll to stand downswings. Good players know that bad beats are inevitable and cannot be controlled. They play only with that money which they can afford to lose. Never lose your confidence or doubt your abilities if you lose a hand due to a bad beat. Whenever you start losing hands one after the other, take a break rather than chase losses. Set a stop loss limit and follow it every time you play on a table.
Q 2. How do they select the best moves from the available options?
Poker is not always a thrill ride. Sometimes it becomes nerve-racking and frustrating as the players find themselves unable to deal with specific situations. Top-notch players know how to adjust their playing style (loose/tight/aggressive/passive)as per the situation on the table. Your strategy to play the hand must be based on your stack size, opponent’s skills, position, and table image.
Q 3. How often they fold cards in case they are dealt with a poor hand?
Folding cards at the right time is a skill. You should not fold cards very often or very rarely. If you fold most of your hands, your opponent can force you with his aggressive bets to throw your cards. As you are playing with real money, playing with bad hands is extremely risky. Analyze your opponent and spot the leaks to determine his hand strength and drop your cards immediately to save yourself from potential loss if odds are not in your favor.
Q 4. How often they bluff?
Bluffing is an integral part of the game, regardless of whether you are playing offline or Online Poker . But it is crucial to learn when and how to employ a bluff. If you start doing it too often, you become predictable and opponents will stop buying your bluff. Identify the weak players who are less likely to call your bluff. Also keep in mind that inexperienced players like to call anything and due to their lack of knowledge, they will call your bluff too without a second thought. Bluff only when the table situation (your position, pot size, opponent’s betting pattern, experience, and skills) allows you.
Q 5. How do they consistently improve their game over time?
A. The trends are changing and it is important to expand your knowledge and learn new tactics to survive in the dynamic world of poker. Start reviewing your game sessions to find out the weak spot in your gameplay. It requires a lot of preparation and practice to beat opponents who are more knowledgeable and experienced than you are. Play regularly and spend as much time as possible to improve your skills and maintain your edge in the game.
These are the basic of how to play poker which separate a successful player from struggling players. If you an amateur player and wants to improve your chances of winning on a poker table, you can also implement these techniques in your game and see the drastic changes in the results of the game.
