Online Poker Strategy

The way wee see it, the term 'Poker Strategy' is a huge mystery. What kind of a strategy it refers to? After all, it is widely known that 'poker' is a title given to a group of card games, such Texas Hold 'em, Omaha and 7-Card Stud, and not just one particular game. So, when we mention 'Poker Strategy,' what form of poker we speak of? Although most poker games bear similar features, the playing strategies of each such game are indeed completely different. Since in this article it is not our goal to introduce and analyze the specifics of different poker strategies, we prefer to present a general overview of terms related to traditional and online poker game strategy.

Position, position, position

One of the most important terms in any poker game strategy is 'Position.' The term refers to the order in which players are seated around the poker table. In general, the earlier positions (players who are to act first, roughly the first three players seated to the immediate left of the dealer) are considered less popular than the later positions. The reason for this is quite simple. Players in the early position must act without having any clue regarding what their opponents hold in their pockets. Although in poker a player's private cards are exposed only at the showdown, an average poker player can read his opponents based on their behavior at the table. Early position players, however, are spared this privilege. Therefore, they need to hold stronger hands to bet or raise than players seated in later position. In conclusion, being in late position is a definite advantage.

Loose/ tight and aggressive/ passive play

The style of a player's play is a strategical consideration in itself. Selecting a style of play to fit a player's goals in the game is a rare skill typically developed with experience. Loose players play relatively more hands and don't fold despite having a weak hand in their pocket. Tight players tend to play fewer hands and do not continue when a weak hand comes their way. An aggressive player is a player who raises and bets a lot. Accordingly, a passive player is a player who prefers calling and checking. Players who combine loose play with passive play are often regarded as 'Calling Stations.' Unless a player intentionally seeks to project a certain message to his opponents, loose/ passive play indicates a player's weakness.

Raising and calling

When you play poker, any variant of poker, it is important to know when to know when to raise and when to call. These are strategic decisions of utmost importance. A player should raise in particular situations, such as:

A. When you have a strong hand and you want to fatten the pot.

B. When you have the best possible possible hand and you want to drive competition out of the pot.

C. When you seek to gain info regarding the strength of your opponents' hands if you are called.

Alternatively, a player should call in certain situations, such as:

A. When you want to throw off your opponents and conceal the real value of your hand.

B. When you are drawing and want to see more cards.

C. When you seek to avoid a re-raise by the original bettor.

Practice poker

These are of course very basic poker strategy related tips. If you want to become a real poker expert you need to practice and develop your own winning strategies. Any poker pro would tell you that merely memorizing game rules is not enough. Poker, traditional and online alike, is a game of skill. And naturally, skills require honing before any success is achieved.

Playable Starting Hands in ShortHand Limit Hold 'em