Poker for Go-getters
September 22nd, 2008The only way to remain in the poker world is to be a cut-throat go-getter. One of the world’s best poker players, Bob Ciaffone once remarked that poker is just like a war. Poker players are soldiers who are armed with various strategies to outplay and defeat the opponent. If your state of mind is not like this, you are unlikely to stay for long.
The path to success is to choose your starting hands well. If you don’t play tight, you might not have a considerable influence over your opponent. For an all-out confrontation, you need to play about 15 percent of the starting hand. But, what happens if you play even less – say 5 percent?
As you need to give money for blinds or antes, your overhead cost can be more than what you would earn. Hence, statistics show that 15 percent would be the right choice.
The next point to note for a go-getter is the number of opponents in the game. The strategies would vary depending on how many players you would have to confront. For instance, if there are less then three opponents, be a cut-throat aggressor. Play loose and bluff at random. There are only a few chances that you would be caught.
When there are more than three opponents, play a very straightforward game. Be cautious on how the other players are playing the game. Don’t bluff at random. Just like the strength of the army matters, your actions would depend on the number of players with you.
Thirdly, try a new move once in a while. For example, why not re-raise before a flop and without a big pair? This move is eccentric and would be remembered by your opponents. Just remember that this move was basically used to con the opponent. In other words, try keeping your contenders off the balance.
