Things That Make You a Better Poker Player

While many people find poker an easy game to actually learn and play, it takes years of playing and practice to be actually good at it. You have to keep in mind a lot of things, small decisions that will eventually prove to be really helpful in winning a game. Are you already familiar with how the game is played? Have you gone through the rules and do you understand them? If you think you have what it takes to win money, you can try your luck and play a game to test your knowledge, skills, and the tricks up your sleeves. 

Knowing the basics of is enough if you just wish to play on weekends amongst friends, and casually online through online casino or poker websites. If you wish to step up your game, you would need to learn some advanced techniques to make sure you have enough in the arsenal to take on players of a better quality. 

Here we will be listing down some of the things that in our view are qualities that quality players all have. To be a success and make money you will need to develop your game and with experience, you will develop your game to a level that is required to stay on the right side of profitability. Our list would not only cater to beginners or novice in the game, but seasoned Poker players would definitely be able to get some tips that they can use in the next game and in their journey to become better Poker players.

Take time to watch and understand how other people play their games

If you wish to become a better player, you must acknowledge the fact that it won't happen overnight, regardless how fast you can actually learn. That is why we urge everyone – beginners and expert-level players alike – to keep their ears and eyes open for how other players turn the tables to their advantage. Watch out for seemingly noticeable patterns that they keep doing, especially those that work for them. Do they have a specific tell or a type of movement that really distracts or intimidate the other players in the table? Take note of how it was executed and apply it in your next game to see if it will work for you. Watch them play closely – keep the good moves and learn from their misplays and mistakes. Knowing what they did wrong will help you avoid from doing it in the future. 

Playing under the influence is definitely a no-no

Playing poker when drunk is not advisable. Have some respect for the game, especially if you are around strangers who are passionate about the game. Not only is playing drunk in bad taste, it also does not help you in any way since it is going to be difficult for you to focus and make good decisions. You need to be on your A-game to maximise your chances. When playing drunk, be prepared to lose any edge you might have had. You will likely get cocky and make arrogant moves that will lose your stack. Whilst you might win the odd hand (which would always happen anyway), your stack is only going to be going one direction. 

be Selectively aggressive where you can

Being aggressive means putting your enemies on a defensive stance, and more often than not, you will catch them off-guard. Assert your dominance and control the table by being selectively aggressive enough not to let the others play in a way that it puts you on the defensive. Be ready to demonstrate your skills. Bluff in the right spots and make every move count. It is important to show confidence and you must assert yourself when you can - it tells other players at the table that your not going to roll over and gift your chips to them. 

A good players knows limits; a better one stays within them

Whether you are new to the game or an old hand, it pays to keep track of your finances. Keep track of the money that goes out and in - all earnings and losses. You can do it per game, or hourly, by session - it doesn't matter how you do it, as long as you do it. It is also important that you realize your limits and you stay within them. This takes discipline - especially when things are not going your way, which will happen as a player. Sometimes, calling it quits for a day is absolutely the right thing to do. Sometimes the run of cards just doesn't go your way.

Not feeling well? Playing Your A-Game

If you are not in the mood to play, don't play. There is no point taking money to the table as the odds will be stacked against you playing your best game. While many casual players play to take their mind off things, a better player knows better than this. Playing a game if you are not feeling well will not go as well as you expect.  That is why it’s important that you take a break and come back when you are physically and emotionally ready to play your best game. 

These are just some of the many things that make a better poker player. Do you think we’ve missed something? We would love to hear from you. Get in touch and let us know your views.

** Images by tookapic and pixabay under Public Domains CC0