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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Poker Bankroll Management : Will I Go Broke?
intricacies of managing a poker bankroll, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions, understanding variance and earn rate, and adopting strategies to minimize the risk of depleting one's bankroll, while also discussing the balance between short-term variance and long-term earn rate in determining optimal play and bankroll strategies
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
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
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
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
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 considerations
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
Beating Fish in Limit Holdem
strategies on how to effectively play against three types of inexperienced poker players: the overaggressive, the limper, and the predictable, offering insights on recognizing and adapting to each type to maximize profit opportunities in higher stakes games
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
Final Table Training for the WSOP Main Event
chronicles the preparation journey of Darus Suharto for the World Series of Poker main event, where he secured sixth place, and highlights the unique training approach adopted
New Zealand Blues
the author's experience during a two-week vacation to New Zealand, where he participated in the New Zealand Poker Championships
PLO Practice-Hand Quiz No. 2
Raising preflop, the combo float, and value-betting the river It's a $1-$2 blinds game, $5 to bring in.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Draw Equity vs Float Equity – Part II
nuances of float equity in poker, contrasting it with draw equity, and underscores how float equity, derived from fold equity and opponent information, can have significant value in certain game situations, but its effectiveness is highly contingent on the playing style of opponents
How Not to Tilt
guidance on managing emotions and maintaining a positive mindset during poker games, emphasizing the importance of understanding the game's nature, preparing for losses, and viewing setbacks as learning opportunities to enhance one's skills and strategies in Omaha high/low
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"
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
PLO Quiz
Playing with the initiative, making a combination-call, and value-betting the river - It's a five-handed 50¢-$1 pot-limit Omaha game online (six-max).
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
Who is the Most Confident?
the pros and cons of multi-tabling versus playing at higher stakes in poker
NFL Betting Tips – One More for the Road
advice on NFL betting, emphasizing the importance of understanding subtle edges, recommending specific betting strategies like six-point teasers on home teams, and highlighting the significance of line variations, and stressing the need to join multiple betting sites to get the best odds and take advantage of bonuses
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
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
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
Poker Luck and Skill : Variance or Bad Play?
the intertwined roles of luck and skill in poker, emphasizing that both factors contribute to a player's results
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
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
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
Las Vegas Pot-Limit Omaha
introduction of a small-stakes pot-limit Omaha (PLO) game at The Venetian poker room in Las Vegas, detailing the specific structure of the game, the reasons for choosing The Venetian as the venue, and the game's growing popularity among players
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
The Nut-Flush Draw
the strength and strategy of playing the nut-flush draw in pot-limit Omaha, illustrating its power against various hand combinations, even when up against strong hands like A-A-X-X
Poker Bankroll Mistakes that Cost the Most
significant mistakes poker players make concerning their bankrolls, emphasizing the importance of proper bankroll management, avoiding distractions from other casino games, the dangers of poor game selection, and the negative impact of berating less skilled players
Some Mistakes Down Under
author's experiences and strategic errors during poker tournaments in Melbourne, particularly during the Aussie Millions event, emphasizing the importance of decision-making, pot odds, and risk assessment, while also highlighting the vibrant poker scene and unique personalities in the Australian and New Zealand poker community
Are Satellite Tournaments a Good or Bad Value?
the value and strategy of playing in satellite poker tournaments, cautioning players against entering satellites where they'd be outmatched in the main event, and emphasizing that while satellites offer a chance to play in bigger tournaments, they often lead to suboptimal play due to the high stakes and unfamiliarity with deep-stack dynamics
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
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
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
Re-buy Tournament Strategy
the tactics and considerations for playing in Re-buy & Add-on (R&A) poker tournaments, emphasizing the distinct playstyle during the first hour, the importance of strategic re-buys and add-ons, and the need to adapt to the aggressive nature of such tournaments
Winning the Full Tilt Poker $750,000 Event
the author's experience and strategies in winning the Full Tilt Poker tournament, emphasizing the importance of "restealing" and highlighting specific hands that played a crucial role in their victory
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
Quiz: Playing with the Initiative, Combination-Call, and Value-Betting River
Playing with the initiative, making a combination-call, and value-betting the river It's a five-handed 50¢-$1 pot-limit Omaha game online (six-max).
Positional Advantage in Pot-Limit Omaha
the inherent advantage of position in poker, emphasizing that the ambiguity of a bet from a late position, such as the button, can naturally deceive opponents, making them more likely to make mistakes, especially when they perceive the bet as a potential steal
Pot-Limit Omaha Hand Quiz 3
insights into post-flop strategies in Pot-Limit Omaha, focusing on the importance of understanding opponent behavior, the value of the positional advantage, and the effectiveness of bluff-raising when faced with potential air bets
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
Reflections on My Results at the 2008 World Series of Poker
personal experiences and disappointments during the 2008 World Series of Poker, emphasizing the unpredictability of tournament outcomes despite thorough preparation
High Value Limit Holdem Bluffs
the art of bluffing in limit hold'em, discussing its significance in modern, tighter games and presenting five specific situations where bluffing can yield significant equity
Skills Learned Playing Short-Handed Limit Holdem
the unique skills and strategies required for short-handed limit hold'em, highlighting the importance of player categorization, adaptability, and aggression, while also discussing the benefits of playing in such settings, including the ability to better read opponents and capitalize on their mistakes
Limit Hold’em Quiz
Playing the Nuts Most players love to discuss hands when the value of a hand is not very clear.
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
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
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
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)
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
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 executionLet’s Play Poker!
