So I’m sort of a novice at poker (texas holdem to be exact) and I know the basic rules. I know what beats what. However, I know very little “strategy” or some of the untold rules of poker. Anyone wanna help me beat my friends ?
YES. Bluff early, bluff often. That is, while you have the stack, and don’t worry - in fact - anticipate getting called and caught. Then, a little later on, don’t play anything less than JJ off the deal. Your friends will be so keyed in to you bluffing that they will call and get caught.
That’s the way that I clear out a small time game. And, to be honest, in a small stakes friendly game, that method has NEVER failed me. Any other thoughts?
- Peter Wiggen
Hmm. Can’t say as I’m in favor of a strategy that’s so dependent on cards. What happens if, after you set up the other players (assuming they even notice what you’re doing), you hit a cold streak of cards and don’t get hands that are JJ or better?
Legitimate criticisms Otto.
Here’s why I think this strategy works in low stakes games among friends:
First of all, by bluffing early, you tend to steal a pot or two. This builds a buffer for the lean times.
When you get caught, IME players notice what you’re doing. Usually somebody will cry “OMG! He Bluffed!” or something ridiculous like that. The key is to bluff hard and heavy. At the very minimum, you can point out your own unbelievable bluffing with a well timed mutter about people finally catching on.
Then the waiting. You are correct that at this point the strategy becomes card driven. If you hit a terrible cold streak, then you’re going to have to adapt. Especially if you really get short-stacked. But you’re going to have to do that no matter what strategy you employ.
However, in these types of games, the blinds are usually too low. Typically you can employ a great deal of patience. My general rule of thumb under these conditions is “fold more.”
And, when/if you get that big hand, you are set up to really sucker someone (maybe multiple people) into putting a lot of money in the pot with you.
Yes - it’s too simplistic to be employed by a professional poker player. I certainly wouldn’t use it in TWSOP or on the internet. But in person, against my friends, it seems it’s mostly about posturing and acting early. And I think, despite its limitations, it can be an effective gameplan for a novice player.
But enough about my crappy strategy 
- let’s hear some more suggestions!
- Peter Wiggen
I am by no means a pro, but I have won over 8 million chips playing tournaments on Poker Stars. Of course, it is play money chips, and people are less worried about losing those than real money, but still, good players play there and I can hold my own.
It would take more typing than I’m willing to do to fully explain texas holdem, but I’ll hit some starting tips
Start out playing ‘tight’, only play AK AQ AJ A10 KQ or any pair. It is usually best to come in with a raise, about 3 times the big blind. Coming in with a raise makes people think you’re strong from the start, and sometimes you can bet them out as the cards fall, even if you didn’t improve your hand.
Suited connectors (34 56 78 89 etc. same suit) you also want to see the flop, unless it’s too expensive.
Watch your opponents carefully, basically to see if they are good players, or not.
Do they ‘limp in’ (not raise preflop with a good hand)? Do they like to check-raise?
Are they playing rags? Watch their hands as they bet, trembling usually means they have a big hand and are excited about it.
Don’t try to bluff early, don’t be afraid to lay down your hand if you think you’re beat, DO NOT go on tilt after a bad beat.
Patience is your friend.
Try one of the online poker rooms, the only way you’ll ever get good is to play lots of hands, and learn from your mistakes.