The Online Poker Player Resource

This article’s intent is to help beginning players understand how to better apply the large amount of advice, strategies and guides they will encounter while studying the art of playing poker.

One of the most difficult strategies or advice to apply to poker is anything on the subject of the “psychology of poker.” The reason for this is that unlike strategies or techniques used in for example board games, psychology tactics in poker have requirements in order for them to work. The following are examples that will help illustrate the difficulties of applying “psychological strategies.”

In Poker, applying “psychological strategies” at a table is similar to how boxers will apply strategies based on who they are fighting. You can also compare this to most sports. Some teams will adjust their defensive or offensive strategies based on who their opposing teams are. Poker players must be aware of this as well. For example, the basic “psychological strategy” that is the most abused and overly used is the bluff. On average, beginners may feel that the bluff can be done simply by having a great “poker face” or simply a witty personality. This would be wrong. Imagine trying to bluff an opponent who does not use any player reads at all. Imagine playing a drunk player who is willing to gamble. No matter how stone cold your posture or “poker face” is, your opponent may still call you because he is not taking into account that you are bluffing. If you know this about your opponent, then the obvious strategy is to not bluff against this player.

This also applies for when trying to use pot odds to encourage or discourage opponents from calling or folding. If you are attempting to bet in a way so that your opponent will not chase any draws, this would not be a great idea against someone who does not concern themselves with such things. Do not misunderstand; using pot odds is still important, especially when you are attempting to get the best value on of your hand. However, you cannot be mad or allow you emotions to rule you when you face a bad beat against an opponent who would call you but his rare draw card comes up on the river.

In conclusion, like many sports, always try to be aware of who is in involved in the hand with you and how you should best play against them.