4 Poker Stategies Pros Really Use

Tons of poker tips and strategies abound on how you can win in major tournaments and soon become a poker star. But the truth is, those poker pros aren't using any special strategies to win.

Before they even become stars, thanks to pokers popularity boom in recent years, the pros have been employing basic rules and styles in playing. You too can significantly improve your poker game by following these four easy tips:

Observe your opponents. Study how your opponents play, his betting behavior, his poker tells. The mor eyou know about them, the easier it will be for you to take advantage of their weaknesses. Some players can bet extremely high when they have a good hand, some raise consistently after the flop. But some players will only try to bluff. Taking note of their betting patterns will help you adjust and be comfortable with your own game.

Bet wisely. Betting aggressively could easily wipe out your bankroll. Every poker player should set a limit whether playing online or in casinos. Being money conscious can ensure that you're betting wisely. Some players bet moderately then increase their bets slightly when they have a good hand.

Take your time. If the pros seem to think very fast, it's because they're pros. They know the game by heart and can make decisions faster than an average player. As for you, you don't have to make decisions too rashly. Take time to analyze your hand and if you stand a chance of winning the pot. Take time to survey your opponents and surmise what hand they might have (see tip no.1).

Know when to fold...and when to stay in. A good poker player always knows when to fold and when to stay in the game. Many players don't understand the formula for this. The best players understand their chances andonly stay in when they have at least one type of hand. Having 2 high pocket cards may be a good reason to stay in but 2 low cards are not.

Knowing when to take the risk will take a lot of practice. So the best way to improve your game is to keep on playing and try to master these four easy strategies.


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Tipping Dealers is Proper Poker Room Etiquette

Poker dealers are a much-maligned group. Charged with maintaining order over a typically unruly gaggle of combatants, they can't win. They have to work fast, enforce the rules, manage the bank and maintain a cordial demeanor while sitting at a table with nine bosses.

Often reviled by players for events over which they have no control, they have cards (and slurs) thrown at them regularly. Under eagle eyes and cameras in the sky, they have to push the money of reluctant losers to gloating winners. Their backs ache, their fingers stiffen and they have chiropractor bills. For this they get minimum wage.

Like other workers providing a service, the poker dealer's income is derived mainly from gratuities. It's a rare Scrooge who will not tip a waiter if they've done their job satisfactorily, but many players will stiff a dealer. Some people don't know that it's the way dealers make their living, and some don't care.

It's proper poker etiquette for the winner of each hand to give the dealer a tip out of the pot. Since it's only the winner who's expected to tip, a dollar or two tossed to the dealer shouldn't be too painful. In a small-to-midsize tournament, if you place in the money, a 5 to 10 percent cut of your winnings is the rule of thumb. Consider it a modest business expense for keeping the action moving and (in the case of the best dealers) for making the overall experience pleasant for everyone.

In Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland," the Queen of Hearts is famous for saying "Off with their heads!" The Queen of Hearts writing this column has the same message for you non-tippers out there. Loosen up. Show some appreciation for a job well done. By George, it'll come back to you in spades. (Poker Gazette)


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