Some Tips For Playing Poker More Wisely

It looks like I have saturated my mind studying numbers and statistics. While my analytic mind takes a respite, I thought I should write some off-topic articles, but still related to recreation. This is to keep my blog active. Among my blogs, LottoTips888 is the most widely visited with 66,000 pageviews as of today.

Poker is one game I have never played. In fact, I don't know how to play it. I'm not a gambler but it's okay with me to play cards for fun. I am thinking why some people are too engrossed in playing poker. What's in the poker that makes them glued to their seats?

To be a smarter player is to value your money for your family.
After some research, I now understand why poker is an exciting game. Though poker is a game of chance, it requires skill. Unlike the lottery, a poker player can increase his odds of winning by playing smart. To be smart means making wise decisions when to fold, see or call, and raise. To fold is to give up; to see or call is to stay in the game; and to raise is to increase your pot. This skill requires gut feel, keen observation, and bluffing.

To be a smarter player, of course, is to value your money for your family, more than for anyone else, such as your opponents.

Why the pros win more frequently

If professional poker players are winning more often than the average players, would they share their secrets, if ever they have one? Maybe not! Would you?

Remember this. The poker pros want your money. They are happy if you're a newbie player. They utilize their strengths, and capitalize on the weaknesses of others.

So, how do the biggest players win substantial amount of money? According to an article "Four Poker Tips The Pros Won't Tell You" by Paul Runyan, the "best players in the world aren’t doing anything really spectacular other than following basic poker tips."

What follows are some tips that I have gathered on the Net.
  1. Keep a "poker face". You must have heard this expression a hundred times not to mention, in Lady Gaga's song that you kept singing out of tune. In poker, it is necessary that your oponents do not see your facial expressions, your eye movements, gestures, and breathing. Otherwise, they, especially the pros, would have an idea if you're losing or winning.
  2. Observe your winning opponents. Study how they play the game. Then, copy how they play it. For a newbie, it's a trial and error. In time, you're going to learn how they actually play it. Your winning opponents observe you as well. They'll study your weaknesses. So make sure you have that poker face. Learn how to face your expressions and gestures.
  3. Bet wisely and budget your money. This is the wisest tip you can follow. Don't be a gambler; be a player. Have fun and enjoy the game but respect your money. Your loved ones deserve more your hard-earned money that your opponents. Set a limit on how much you are going to spend in the casino. Have the discipline to not exceed it. If you had a bad day at the tables, don't put yourself in debt. It's not worth it. Remember that there are other more fun things that money can buy.
  4. Don't bet high (aka high rollers). This can lead to drastic losses. Play moderately and just slightly increase your bets when you know you have a good hand. Avoid the extremes. Don’t bet too little because you might just lose money in the long run. Don’t bet too much because you might lose a lot of money on only one hand.
  5. Take your time. The pros think very fast because they are pros!
  6. Know when to fold (give up your cards), when to stay in, and when to raise your pot-money (nickel or token). Having two face cards is a good reason to stay in. Having two different low number cards may be a reason to fold. If you notice high bets from a player who does not bluff, you should probably fold. Know when to take risks and when to be cautious.
  7. Last but not least. Have fun! Instead of going to the casino, spend quality time with your family. Treat poker as a family activity. Instead of money, chip in to the pot a promise to do a household chore; or a treat to fastfood restaurant.

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