Poker Tips

Bluffing

Bluffing is one of the key elements in poker, without it the game would be largely one of chance. However, it’s not that simple. The key question is "when do I bluff?" The answer is complex.

• It is better to bluff when there are fewer people in the pot. This is because it is harder to deceive a larger group of people.

• Bluffing against tight players (who risk as little as possible) is a good idea, because they tend to fold easily. If they don’t weaken under a bluff, then they probably have a good hand.

• The River is the best time to bluff, as most players will fold if they do not have a good hand.

• If you are persistent, bluff when you are in a late position and everyone betting before you has checked. You may find some of your opponents stay in to “keep you honest” – so you have to keep going at this bluff over a few rounds.

• It’s a good time to bluff after you have just won a hand, as you will have earned a certain amount of respect from your opponents. Of course this has nothing to do with your current hand, but it often seems to work.

Etiquette

Remember your manners! No swearing on chat and don’t abuse the other players. In PartyPoker.com, you will be thrown out for bad behaviour. Ceaseless chatter can also be quite annoying to others.

• Act in turn and don’t try and avoid posting blinds by leaving the table.

• ‘Stringing’ bets is considered very bad form. This is when players make it seem as if they are going to call, but then they make a raise.

• Don’t deliberately play slow. You may think that it is psyching out your opponents, but it is more likely to annoy them.

• The last point of poker etiquette concerns playing offline.

• Don’t ‘splash the pot’, that is throw your chips into the pot as it makes it difficult to see what you are putting in. Neat stacks allow everyone to see your bet.

Bets

There are 169 starting hands in poker, all are not equal. Only about 28% - 33% of hands are worth playing, so don’t play too many.

• As Kenny Rogers so wisely put it “You got to know when to hold’em, know when to fold ‘em”. If you’re in too deep, fold and walk away.

• Change your betting style. This will prevent players from identifying the way you play and taking advantage of it.

• You can make wagers to learn – see how they react to your bets. You can use re-raises to see the strength of your opponents' hands or, if you have "the nuts on the flop" (an unbeatable hand), you can check to see how others will play.