Poker Strategy
Welcome to our Poker Strategy Articles section. Poker is a game of strategy. Anyone that tells you differently is ignorant or a losing poker player. If you study the game and the strategies, you will understand the tactics to becoming a winning player, improve your game, and ultimately win money. We at ITH have accumulated the most comprehensive collection of texas holdem articles to help you learn, gain confidence and most importantly WIN.
We incorporate strategiy discussions on everything from playing hands to winning the mental game. Peruse the sub-categories here or browse all our strategy articles below.
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Shorthanded Pot-Limit Omaha
common mistakes players make in shorthanded pot-limit Omaha games, such as defending blinds too liberally, making large preflop raises from out of position, and not being aggressive enough
Poker Tracker Tips : Tracking Your Progress as a Beginner
offers guidance for novice Texas Hold'em players on utilizing PokerTracker software to monitor and enhance their gameplay
The Complete Guide to Playing Poker Maniacs
strategies and tips for playing poker against aggressive players, often referred to as "poker maniacs," emphasizing the importance of patience, position, and hand selection
Staying in School and Poker as a Career
the importance of completing one's education before considering poker as a full-time career, highlighting the risks and challenges of professional poker, the evolving nature of the game, and the potential long-term implications of a career gap on one's résumé
New Zealand Blues
the author's experience during a two-week vacation to New Zealand, where he participated in the New Zealand Poker Championships
The Realities of a Re-buy Tournament
insights into the strategies and considerations for playing in Re-buy and Add-on (R&A) poker tournaments, emphasizing the importance of managing one's bankroll, understanding the dynamics of the initial re-buy phase, and adapting to the aggressive playstyle often seen in these tournaments
Poker Stop Losses : When Should I Stop Playing
reasons and circumstances under which poker players should consider ending their gaming sessions, emphasizing that the primary reasons to quit are either not playing at one's best or being in a game that can't be beaten
The Reverse Float
the concept of "reverse float" in poker, which refers to floating from an out-of-position stance, highlighting its risks and offering guidelines for its execution
Raising Draws for Value in Limit Holdem
the strategic nuances of when to raise or call with drawing hands in limit hold'em, emphasizing that players often undervalue their big draws on the flop and that understanding the best hand isn't always about having a made hand, but rather the hand with the highest probability of winning by the river
Mixed Hold’em
introduces a new form of poker that combines elements of limit, pot-limit, and no-limit hold'em, aiming to create more post-flop action and excitement for both players and viewers, with the game transitioning from limit play pre-flop, to pot-limit on the flop, and finally to no-limit on the turn and river, thus emphasizing post-flop skills and offering a dynamic playing experience
The Power of the Big Draw
the strength and strategic advantages of having big drawing hands in Omaha poker, particularly in deep-stack situations, explaining how these hands can dominate the game dynamics, allow for aggressive betting without fear of being priced out, and offer significant implied value when they hit
Profiling Errors
common mistakes players make when profiling their poker opponents, such as stereotyping based on initial perceptions, giving undue weight to early observations (primacy effect), and making assumptions based on one's own characteristics (projection)
More Poker Lessons From My Daughter
author's experiences teaching his daughters poker, highlighting a particular game where one daughter's play style was perceived as fearless and unpredictable
6 Reasons to Start Playing Omaha Hi Lo
the advantages of playing Pot Limit Omaha Hi Lo, highlighting its simplicity compared to other poker games, the opportunity to beat loose games at low limits, its lower variance, the excitement it offers, its suitability for bonus chasers, and how it can expand a player's poker horizons
The Danger of Optimism : Texas Holdem Odds
cautions poker players against the pitfalls of excessive optimism, explaining that while a positive mindset can be beneficial in many life situations, in poker, overestimating odds or making assumptions based on hope rather than logical analysis can lead to suboptimal strategies and significant losses
Who is the Most Confident?
the pros and cons of multi-tabling versus playing at higher stakes in poker
Why Pot-Limit Omaha Games Must Get Smaller
the importance of structuring smaller-stakes pot-limit Omaha (PLO) games to ensure the game's growth, highlighting the challenges players face when overplaying their bankrolls and the need for sustainable PLO games that protect players from going broke
Working in Your Underwear: The Pitfalls of Comfort
the potential pitfalls of becoming too comfortable while playing online poker, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a disciplined posture and behavior to avoid developing bad habits that could be detrimental in live games, and offers strategies to ensure one remains engaged and alert during online sessions
Bluffing in the WSOP Main Event Part I
the strategic advantages of having large chip stacks in the World Series of Poker main event, highlighting specific hands the author played, including a memorable bluff against a solid player and the dynamics of playing against poker legend Doyle Brunson
Limit Hold’em Quiz
Playing the Nuts Most players love to discuss hands when the value of a hand is not very clear.
Playing Pocket Pairs in Tournaments
various strategies and considerations for playing small to medium pocket pairs in poker tournaments, emphasizing the importance of understanding the situation and adapting one's play accordingly
The Journey : Stages of Poker Development
the various stages a poker player goes through in their journey, from being a complete beginner to achieving mastery, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, self-awareness, and the drive to improve
PLO Quiz 2
pot-limit Omaha poker scenarios set in a game at Excalibur in Las Vegas, offering readers multiple-choice questions on the best course of action in each situation
Variable-Ratio Reinforcement
psychological concept of variable-ratio reinforcement, explaining how it's used in gambling scenarios like slot machines to regulate player behavior, and hints at its application in pot-limit Omaha poker, particularly in relation to continuation-betting strategies
Automated Poker
the transformative impact of automated shufflers and electronic poker tables, such as PokerPro, on the live poker experience, emphasizing their ability to speed up the game, enhance player experience, and merge the benefits of online and live poker
Three-Betting Preflop
strategic nuances of three-betting with marginal hands in poker, using hand examples from three different authors to illustrate the thought processes and considerations behind such plays
Tough Limit Holdem Strategy
the evolving landscape of poker, emphasizing that while the game has become more challenging over the years, there are still opportunities to exploit various player types, from the traditional loose-passive fish to the more refined tight-aggressive players
Playing With the Initiative After the Flop in PLO
the dynamics of post-flop play in Pot-Limit Omaha when a player has taken the preflop initiative, emphasizing the importance of balancing continuation-betting with taking free cards based on the number of players in the pot and the trickiness of opponents
What do you do when you know you are beat?
discusses the strategic depth of poker, emphasizing the importance of reading opponents and understanding when to exploit perceived weaknesses, even when you believe your hand is inferior
When to Raise Draws for Value
strategic considerations of when to raise or call with drawing hands in poker, emphasizing the importance of understanding the value of one's draw in relation to the number of opponents and pot dynamics, while also touching on concepts like semibluffing and seeking free cards
Fixing World Series of Poker Structures for PLO
discusses the disparities in starting stack depths between pot-limit Omaha (PLO) and no-limit hold'em (NLH) tournaments at the World Series of Poker, arguing that PLO tournaments should have deeper starting stacks to be comparable to their NLH counterparts
The Mississippi Straddle
intricacies of the Mississippi Straddle in pot-limit Omaha (PLO) poker, explaining its advantages when combined with advanced positional skills, especially the float, and contrasts it with the under-the-gun (UTG) straddle
Starting Hand Chart
detailed hand charts to guide players on how to optimally play their starting hands in Texas Holdem, offering specific strategies based on one's position at the table and emphasizing the significance of making informed preflop decisions to gain an edge over opponents
Poker Pitfalls Resulting From a Faulty Mindset
while technical skills in poker are essential, many players fail to achieve success due to mindset issues such as not accepting the realities of poker, being short-term focused, playing with fear, letting ego interfere, and not continually improving their game
Why Do Players Go on Tilt?
the psychological and emotional reasons behind poker players going on tilt, emphasizing that while bad beats and losses can trigger tilt, other factors like emotions, fatigue, boredom, and even alcohol can also contribute
Poker Psychology : Logical Fallacies
common logical fallacies that poker players often fall victim to, emphasizing the importance of clear, logical thinking for success at the poker table and warning against making decisions based on flawed reasoning or misconceptions
Am I Delusional?
author's poker strategy after bluffing off 125 big blinds, analyzing the hand in detail, and seeking feedback from the poker community to determine if the play was justified or a result of delusional thinking
Is Poker Gambling or Skill?
the longstanding debate regarding poker's classification, examining whether it's predominantly a game of chance or skill, and highlights that while poker involves elements of both luck and strategy, it's the blend of these factors that makes it unique, challenging the traditional definitions of gambling
Some Pot-Limit Omaha Hands
detailed strategy analysis of specific hands played in a pot-limit Omaha game at The Venetian in Las Vegas, illustrating various scenarios such as a delayed double-barrel bluff on a paired board, picking off a bluff by check-calling, and executing a delayed dry-ace bluff
PLO Quiz 3
A low SPR situation - Excerpt from Jeff’s book, Advanced Pot-Limit Omaha Volume II: LAG Play and The Short-Handed Workbook.
Poker Tilt Tips : Your Guilty Conscience
psychological aspects of poker tilt, likening it to the conflicting voices of temptation and reason, as portrayed in Eminem's song "Guilty Conscience"
Pot-Limit Omaha: Game Selection in Live Play
the challenges and considerations of selecting the right pot-limit Omaha (PLO) games in live settings, emphasizing the rapid scaling of stakes, the impact of uncapped buy-ins and the straddle option
Limit Holdem Bluffing : A Version of the Delayed Bluff
the strategy of using a delayed bluff in poker, particularly in limit hold'em, where a player checks a strong-looking flop with the intention of bluffing on a later street, leveraging the opponent's perception and confusion to win pots
Poker Tips for Beginners : Three Decisions that are Never Wrong
guidance on three fundamental decisions in poker that are almost always correct: not revealing your cards unless required, refraining from engaging in table chat to avoid giving away information, and consistently playing strong hands aggressively
Structuring Sustainable Small-Stakes
guidelines on how to structure a sustainable small-stakes pot-limit Omaha (PLO) game, emphasizing the importance of setting a maximum buy-in, avoiding straddles, and ensuring that games are played with deep stacks to prevent short-stacking
AP Newswire May 24, 2025: Joshua Hilger takes home the 2025 WSOP
Joshua Hilger takes home the 2025 WSOP - just a fun hypothetical folks!
Gambler or Gamer : What Attracts People to Poker
the motivations behind why individuals play poker, categorizing them into two main groups: 'gamblers' who are drawn to the thrill of uncertainty and potential monetary gains, and 'gamers' who are more interested in the strategic and competitive aspects of the game
Playing Against the Blinds in Pot-Limit Omaha
insights into the strategy of playing against the blinds in pot-limit Omaha, emphasizing the importance of continuation betting, the decision-making process when on the button, and the factors to consider when deciding to raise or limp in
Pot-Limit Omaha: The PokerTek Angle
he potential of pot-limit Omaha (PLO) games in Las Vegas, emphasizing the advantages of PokerTek's electronic poker tables in making PLO more accessible and affordable for players, and how these tables can cater to both new and existing poker players by offering smaller stakes games
Quiz: Wrap, Bare Nut Straight Heads Up
scenario-based quiz on pot-limit Omaha poker strategy, focusing on decision-making in a heads-up game, with detailed explanations for each choice
Poker Bankroll Strategy : Wipeout
the challenging reality that poker players might face when they lose their entire bankroll, emphasizing the importance of understanding the reasons behind such losses, whether it's due to skill level, tilt, poor bankroll management, or sheer bad luck
Pot-Limit Omaha: The Future is Near
the rising popularity of pot-limit Omaha (PLO) in the poker world, highlighting its potential to become the next big trend in poker due to its action-packed nature and the blurred line between "made hand" and "drawing hand."
Playing Sit n Go’s for Profit
chronicles the author's journey from initial online poker losses to eventual success, emphasizing the profitability of Sit 'N' Go tournaments
Limit Hold’em Tips : The Secrets of Success
evolution of online poker and the author's personal journey, emphasizing the significance of observational and categorization skills in the game, the pitfalls of multitabling without these skills, and the importance of understanding table dynamics
Don’t make the Biggest Mistake in Short-Handed Limit Holdem
the critical error many players make in shorthanded limit games: merely calling a raise against a single opponent
Choosing a Poker Site : Decision, Decisions, Decisions
the various considerations and decisions a poker player should make before starting a game, including selecting the right poker site, game type, table format, betting structure, and even factors like the time of day to play
Poker Table Chat
the intricacies of online poker table chat, recommending caution as it can inadvertently reveal strategies, but also highlighting its potential strategic benefits
Short Stack Strategy in Limit Holdem
the importance of understanding how to play against short-stacked players in limit hold'em, emphasizing that while many players overlook this aspect, it's crucial to adjust one's strategy when facing opponents with smaller stacks
Following Through in PLO
the importance of maintaining betting momentum in pot-limit Omaha, suggesting that once players initiate a bet, they should continue to play as if they have the strongest hand until an opponent challenges them
Omaha Hi-Lo Starting Hand Strategy Look-Fors
strategies for selecting and playing specific starting hands in Omaha Hi-Lo poker, emphasizing the importance of card coordination, the value of the ace as a key card, and the considerations for both high and low hand possibilities
Switching from Limit to No-Limit Holdem
discusses the author's transition from playing limit hold'em to no-limit cash games, highlighting the key differences between the two formats and offering tips for limit players considering making the switch
Small Buy-in Tournaments on the Internet
contrasts the accessibility and advantages of online No-Limit Hold’em tournaments with live tournaments, highlighting the diverse opportunities online platforms offer for players of varying skill levels and bankroll
The World Series of Poker Bubbles
unique dynamics of various "bubble" situations in the World Series of Poker, highlighting strategies to exploit these phases, especially the day-one bubble and cash bubble, where players' risk-averse behaviors can be leveraged for advantage
Turbo SNG Tips
insights into the strategies and adaptations required for playing Turbo Sit and Go (SNG) poker tournaments, emphasizing the importance of adjusting one's game through different blind levels, from early and middle play to bubble and heads-up play
The Basic Floats in PLO
strategies of floating in pot-limit Omaha, discussing various types of floats such as the naked float, weak-stab float, and semibluff float
Lose Weight while Playing Poker!
unique approach to combining exercise and poker, detailing how using an elliptical machine positioned in front of a computer monitor allowed him to play online poker while working out
Winning the PokerStars Nightly 100K
the author's experience and strategy in navigating the PokerStars Nightly Hundred Grand tournament, highlighting key hands played, decisions made, and the challenges faced during the heads-up battle
Using Ranges to Make Better Decisions
introduces the concept of "ranges" in poker, explaining how players can assign a set of potential hands to their opponents based on observed actions, and then refine these ranges as the hand progresses
What Makes a Bad Poker Player
characteristics and traits that can hinder a person's success in poker, emphasizing the importance of mathematical understanding, discipline, long-term perspective, emotional stability, and ethical considerationsLet’s Play Poker!