There is one thing, among many other things that are real in the gaming world, and that is depression. The game of poker is one of those games. The poor poker strategies devised by players at the poker table mostly causes this. Therefore, poker players, beginners and professionals alike, are always devising means to step up their game tactics to world-class levels. These gathered facts are what inspired this article.
Below is a detailed list of the best heads-up poker strategies, which you should look at to generate more wins in online lobbies and brick-and-mortar casino poker rooms. Here is a quick list of the best strategies for online and at-home poker games.
- Only play the right games and at the right stakes
When can the seventh-best poker player be at the bottom of his game? That is when he is on the table contending with players who fill the first to sixth position. Always pick the right games that fit your skill level and bankroll. Choosing the right opponents to play against is a key strategy in poker to be sure of a positive win-rate. Here is a hint on poker games to look out for. Games consisting of players who
- limp too often.
- Re-raises very frequently
- Play solid poker early, and don’t bother too early about survival
This is one very beneficial strategy in poker games, especially in tournaments. Devising stack preservation means isn’t one of the best poker strategies to use at the beginning of the poker games. To finish in the money, you should have more than double or triple your starting stack. Therefore, it is advisable to play aggressively at first to build up stacks for the long run. If eventually, you find yourself short of stacks and near the money bubble, you should then employ survival tactics.
- Fold when in doubt
There is one major thing that differentiates beginners from professionals in the poker game. It is the ability to lay down a good hand when they think they are beaten. Situations come up where a player would be unsure whether to call or fold, bet or raise. You should do yourself some good by folding if found in these situations. It is also advisable to pen down the hand you fold. This is the best heads-up poker strategy to become better and improve your skills.
- Avoid tilt
Poker players always show the habit of using their opponents’ emotions against them. This will only happen to you if you allow it. Having bad cards could cause tilting during the poker game. Statistics have it that only 1 percent of poker players have mastered tilt control. Therefore, it is a poker winning strategy if one could employ means not to let their emotions show. Always keep the same poker face throughout your game.
- Do not bluff recklessly
There are more than a 100 types of poker players. It would therefore be sensible to be careful of which you bluff against. Bluffing, if right or not, at a particular instant is dependent on lots of factors. These are:
- Your reputation – If you are seen as a sophisticated player whose bets represent strength, opponents would likely fall for your bluffs. Positions
- Strength of your hand
- Betting history.
Take a look at how poker could help with financial stabilities.
- Position is strength
If you are playing in the position, it means you are the last to act in the hand. Not minding your skill level, being in position would get you more information than any opponent playing in the dark, i.e., out of position. You get to see what they do before making decisions of your own. Being in positions in poker is of great advantage, and you should therefore play more hands, thereby outing much pressure on your opponents.
- Play poker games only when you are well and sober
Poker is a mentally intensive game. It should be fun no matter the reason you’re playing it – as a hobby or as a professional player. Playing poker games with alcohol in hand is not bad. But in excess, you could experience great loss.
- Don’t limp too early
Limping – entering the pots for the price of the big blind – is a bad decision as the first player to enter the pot. This could lead to you giving the players sweet odds making you face more players, thus reducing your win possibility. The acceptable time to limp is if one player has limped.
Final Notes
Poker is a game that requires consistency to become better at. The strategies listed above, if thoroughly applied, would raise your skill level and make help you acquire enough competence to compete with the best poker players. Overcalling, another strategy, helps well in tournaments.
