1. Drinking alcohol while I play
2. Calling with weak hands. Some one raises me big, they've got a good hand. I call without a killer hand. I should just forget the money I put in the pot already, and the two pair with pocket aces. It doesn’t matter when they raised you big. They’ve got something big.
3. Staying too long. I'm not 90% sure of a win on the flop, someone pulls a winning hand on the River
4. I've got a killer pocket, and people are raising like mad on the pockets. I can't turn down the pair of kinds I have so I keep calling raises. Someone goes all in with a pair of 5s, and flops a 5. Poker is not fair sometimes. I need to be wary of losing all my money in one betting session. It can happen, especially on pocket raising, no matter how good my hand is.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Having a nice seat is VERY important
Choosing your seat
DO NOT just sit at a random table. Pick your table carefully! I have played on 5 different online poker houses, and Full Tilt Poker really is my favorite. I had the opportunity to advertise other sites, as well, but I chose FTP as my sole sponsor, because they really are my favorite.
SO I will give you table selection samples from FTP. You can apply them to other poker houses, if you do not play at FTP.
1st, know the buy-in limits of a table. I prefer the 0.25/0.50 and 0.50/$1 blinds. I am comfortable with the range of losses on this level. Let’s use the 25/50 cent blinds as an example. For these tables, at FTP, the maximum buy-in is $50. So I look at the tables before selecting “add me to waiting list” I look at the bankrolls of the players. If there are two or more players who have more than 50 dollars, then you are going to be outmatched at this table if you are a beginner. If there is someone above $80; watch out…she or he did not get there by chance. If half the table is above 60 or 70 dollars—forget about it. If everyone is under 50.. ADD ME to the waiting list.
You want to pick a table that you presuppose to not have players that are going to slaughter you.
Having a nice seat is VERY important
I have two soft core porn blogs, which give me permission to post pics from my sponsors. Check them out if you are interested:
http://womenofddg.blogspot.com/
http://playmatesonline.blogspot.com/
DO NOT just sit at a random table. Pick your table carefully! I have played on 5 different online poker houses, and Full Tilt Poker really is my favorite. I had the opportunity to advertise other sites, as well, but I chose FTP as my sole sponsor, because they really are my favorite.
SO I will give you table selection samples from FTP. You can apply them to other poker houses, if you do not play at FTP.
1st, know the buy-in limits of a table. I prefer the 0.25/0.50 and 0.50/$1 blinds. I am comfortable with the range of losses on this level. Let’s use the 25/50 cent blinds as an example. For these tables, at FTP, the maximum buy-in is $50. So I look at the tables before selecting “add me to waiting list” I look at the bankrolls of the players. If there are two or more players who have more than 50 dollars, then you are going to be outmatched at this table if you are a beginner. If there is someone above $80; watch out…she or he did not get there by chance. If half the table is above 60 or 70 dollars—forget about it. If everyone is under 50.. ADD ME to the waiting list. Having a nice seat is VERY important
I have two soft core porn blogs, which give me permission to post pics from my sponsors. Check them out if you are interested:
http://womenofddg.blogspot.com/
http://playmatesonline.blogspot.com/
Monday, February 1, 2010
Slow Playing
I win a lot of money by slow playing. Think about it. You have a killer hand that most likely can't lose; a full house with the highest cards on the table, or a straight. You KNOW you will win this hand. Average bets have been 2 or 4 dollars. Are you going to bet 10 dollars now? I see people do this. If you do…guess what? Everyone folds. Did you really want them to fold? You want them to fold if you think you might not win. But if you are guaranteed win don't price everyone out. You want their money.
This is slow playing, and if you have "the nuts" (slang for the best possible hand) then DON'T price people out. First of all, you want to get some of their money. SECOND…you want them to see that your nuts. (pardon the play on words). That makes you a bit scarier for the next couple of rounds…people will fold to your bluffs.
DON'T BE TRANSPARENT
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http://womenofddg.blogspot.com/
http://playmatesonline.blogspot.com/
This is slow playing, and if you have "the nuts" (slang for the best possible hand) then DON'T price people out. First of all, you want to get some of their money. SECOND…you want them to see that your nuts. (pardon the play on words). That makes you a bit scarier for the next couple of rounds…people will fold to your bluffs.
DON'T BE TRANSPARENT
I have two soft core porn blogs, which give me permission to post pics from my sponsors. Check them out if you are interested:
http://womenofddg.blogspot.com/
http://playmatesonline.blogspot.com/
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Common Reasons for Newbies to Lose (Garnered from personal experiences)
I've lost big from impatience -- not waiting for the good pockets. Sometimes you have to go several rounds waiting for a worthwhile hand, and you get antsy and think "Gee, maybe this mediocre hand will get a lucky flop." DON'T think that!
I've lost big from calling with weak hands. If they are raising huge amounts, assume they have it.
Not leaving a table soon enough. Sometimes you are at a table with a bunch of players a lot better than you, or you just ain't getting the cards. You've lost twenty percent of what you started with, and you think "if I could just win back what I started with …." STOP that train of thought. If you are losing that much, chances are this table is not good for you, and you will lose it all trying to win back that twenty percent. Sometimes I even leave at 10 percent. LEAVE THE TABLE
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I've lost big from calling with weak hands. If they are raising huge amounts, assume they have it.
Not leaving a table soon enough. Sometimes you are at a table with a bunch of players a lot better than you, or you just ain't getting the cards. You've lost twenty percent of what you started with, and you think "if I could just win back what I started with …." STOP that train of thought. If you are losing that much, chances are this table is not good for you, and you will lose it all trying to win back that twenty percent. Sometimes I even leave at 10 percent. LEAVE THE TABLE
On the other hand, greed can keep you in too long. You've won 60% more than you started with, and you think "hot damn. I might double what I started with." HEY--leave the fucking table! It aint gonna happen. If you're up 60% from what you started with, that is about the best a newbie can possibly do. Get out while you are ahead. You can smile, check your account, pat yourself on the back, and revel in the glory awhile before joining another table. If you stay in too long, you are going to lose what you lost.
Coming into a table "big guns." Slow down, Buba, and find out how good your competition is before you call with weak hands or start bluffing. Bluffing is most effective when they have all seen you win several hands.
LAY LOW EARLY ON
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Quick Pe-Flop Decision
Here is the system I am currently breaking down my pocket card strategy into. This strategy keeps me from throwing too much money into the pre-flop.
BUILD the POT with raises
Pairs:
A K Q J 10
High Aces:
AK, AQ
CALL low bets with caution
Aces:
AJ, A10, Ax suited
Faces:
KQ, QJ, J10
Pairs:
7, 8, 9
Stay to LOSE:
by staying with any other pockets
You may have noticed that I like to include hot pics of hot women with a lot of my posts. I try to make the pics somehow tangentially match the topic of the post. Or else, I like a money or poker pic that matches. Okay, I admit it, this one is just a gratuitous hot chick pic. (Unless you want to go with some play on word about "pairs") I have two soft core porn blogs, which give me permission to post pics from my sponsors. Check them out if you are interested:
http://womenofddg.blogspot.com/
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BUILD the POT with raises
Pairs:
A K Q J 10
High Aces:
AK, AQ
CALL low bets with caution
Aces:
AJ, A10, Ax suited
Faces:
KQ, QJ, J10
Pairs:
7, 8, 9
Stay to LOSE:
by staying with any other pockets
You may have noticed that I like to include hot pics of hot women with a lot of my posts. I try to make the pics somehow tangentially match the topic of the post. Or else, I like a money or poker pic that matches. Okay, I admit it, this one is just a gratuitous hot chick pic. (Unless you want to go with some play on word about "pairs") I have two soft core porn blogs, which give me permission to post pics from my sponsors. Check them out if you are interested:
http://womenofddg.blogspot.com/
http://playmatesonline.blogspot.com/
Friday, January 22, 2010
How to judge your pockets -- Position
Position makes a difference when judging what to do with your pocket. I think the pic illustrates that well. If most people have folded or called without raising, then you might even stay with smaller pockets. Ace with anything, 66, 55, 44, 33, 22 are worth staying with for a low bet inlate position. But be wary--if peopl are raising you after the flopw, you stand a good shot at losing if you haven't had a pretty good improvement on your had yourself..Vice Versa, some of the medium pockets you might throw away if multiple players have raised/called raises.
(Picture courtesy of Playboy/Playboy sponsored site: http://playmatesonline.blogspot.com/ )
How to judge your pockets -- Medium Pockets
Pocket cards to call with:
AJ, KQ, QJ, J10, 99, 88, 77, Ax in same suit
See the flop with these pocket cards, and then decide. Do not call three bets with these hands unless you want to lose. It is generally worth it to call one or two bets.
(Picture coutesy of Playboy sponsored site: http://playmatesonline.blogspot.com/
How to judge your pockets -- Big Pockets
AA, KK, QQ, AK, JJ, AQ, 1010
These are premium pockets cards. Most people dealt with these will raise and re-raise before the fop
Monday, January 18, 2010
Beginner Strategy
How much money should you invest?
If you are looking to just have fun, don't invest any more than is 'fun' to lose. If you're not comfortable blowing 100 bucks, then don't put that much in. PLEASE do not play above your means. All beginners lose at first. Only play with money that is absolutely expendable. People lose their houses and relationships from betting more than they can afford. Don't gamble with enough money to alter your standard of living.
If you are looking to make money, you should be able to bank 200 big bets at the limit you play. Hence, if you play a $1-2, you should have $2 X 200= $400 dollar roll. This ratio is broadly recognized by professionals as the amount you need to prevent you from lsoing your entire bankroll because of one bad run.
Some may say that the 200 big bets is too low for shorthand, but we believe you need to be reasonable about potential losses. You don't want to invest more than 200 big bets unless you've proven that you're successful at that limit.
If you are looking to just have fun, don't invest any more than is 'fun' to lose. If you're not comfortable blowing 100 bucks, then don't put that much in. PLEASE do not play above your means. All beginners lose at first. Only play with money that is absolutely expendable. People lose their houses and relationships from betting more than they can afford. Don't gamble with enough money to alter your standard of living.
If you are looking to make money, you should be able to bank 200 big bets at the limit you play. Hence, if you play a $1-2, you should have $2 X 200= $400 dollar roll. This ratio is broadly recognized by professionals as the amount you need to prevent you from lsoing your entire bankroll because of one bad run.Some may say that the 200 big bets is too low for shorthand, but we believe you need to be reasonable about potential losses. You don't want to invest more than 200 big bets unless you've proven that you're successful at that limit.
W
Walking Sticks
A pair of sevens.
Wild Card
A card that can be played as any value.
Worst Hand
A losing hand.
WSOP
World Series of Poker
A pair of sevens.
Wild Card
A card that can be played as any value.
Worst Hand
A losing hand.
WSOP
World Series of Poker
T
Texas Hold'em
This is also the name for Hold'em, the most popular form of poker.
Third Street
In 7 Card Stud and 7 Card Stud 8 or Better, this is the first betting round on the first three cards.
Thirty Miles
Three tens.
Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same number or face value ("trips").
Tight
A player who doesn't play many pots.
A tight game is one that doesn't have much action.
Top Pair
In flop games, when the player pairs one of his down cards with the highest card on board.
Treys
A pair of threes.
Trips
Three of a kind.
Turn
In flop games, this is the fourth card dealt.
It is the third round of betting.
Two Pair
A hand consisting of two different pairs.
This is also the name for Hold'em, the most popular form of poker.
Third Street
In 7 Card Stud and 7 Card Stud 8 or Better, this is the first betting round on the first three cards.
Thirty Miles
Three tens.
Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same number or face value ("trips").
Tight
A player who doesn't play many pots.
A tight game is one that doesn't have much action.
Top Pair
In flop games, when the player pairs one of his down cards with the highest card on board.
Treys
A pair of threes.
Trips
Three of a kind.
Turn
In flop games, this is the fourth card dealt.
It is the third round of betting.
Two Pair
A hand consisting of two different pairs.
S
Satellite
A mini-tournament to gain an entry into a larger tournament.
Scoop
To win the entire pot.
Second Pair
In flop games, when you pair the second highest card on the board.
See
To call.
7 card Stud
A well-known poker game in which players get three down cards and four up cards.
You play the best five of those seven cards.
Click here for information on 7-Card Stud.
Seventh Street
This is the final round of betting in 7 Card Stud and Stud 8 or Better.
Shills
Shills are paid props who help start and maintain poker games.
Showdown
At the end of the final betting round, it's when all active players turn their cards face-up to see who has won the pot.
Side Pot
A separate pot(s) which is contested by remaining active players when one or more players are all-in.
Sixth Street
In 7-Card Stud, this is the fourth "up" card dealt to the player (their 6th card).
It is also the 4th round of betting.
Soft play
Soft play refers to players that are not acting according to the cards they have. They are trying to help a friend or other player by not betting or raising when it would be appropriate to do so. It is considered collusion and can result in the suspension of a player's account.
Solid
A fairly tight player (and reasonably good).
Small Blind
The amount put in the pot by the person immediately to the left of the dealer "button" prior to the cards being dealt.
Speed Limit
A pair of fives.
Split
Tie.
Stack
A pile of chips.
Stay
When a player remains in the game by calling rather than raising.
Steel Wheel
A five high straight (A-2-3-4-5) of the same suit.
Straddle
A straddle is a blind bet which is usually double the size of the big blind, (and one that player may raise when the action gets to him).
Straight
Five consecutive cards of any suit.
Straight Flush
Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
Structure
The limits put on the blinds/ante, bets, and raises in any particular game.
Stud Games
Games in which players get down cards and up cards.
Stuck
A player who is losing in a game.
A mini-tournament to gain an entry into a larger tournament.
Scoop
To win the entire pot.
Second Pair
In flop games, when you pair the second highest card on the board.
See
To call.
7 card Stud
A well-known poker game in which players get three down cards and four up cards.
You play the best five of those seven cards.
Click here for information on 7-Card Stud.
Seventh Street
This is the final round of betting in 7 Card Stud and Stud 8 or Better.
Shills
Shills are paid props who help start and maintain poker games.
Showdown
At the end of the final betting round, it's when all active players turn their cards face-up to see who has won the pot.
Side Pot
A separate pot(s) which is contested by remaining active players when one or more players are all-in.
Sixth Street
In 7-Card Stud, this is the fourth "up" card dealt to the player (their 6th card).
It is also the 4th round of betting.
Soft play
Soft play refers to players that are not acting according to the cards they have. They are trying to help a friend or other player by not betting or raising when it would be appropriate to do so. It is considered collusion and can result in the suspension of a player's account.
Solid
A fairly tight player (and reasonably good).
Small Blind
The amount put in the pot by the person immediately to the left of the dealer "button" prior to the cards being dealt.
Speed Limit
A pair of fives.
Split
Tie.
Stack
A pile of chips.
Stay
When a player remains in the game by calling rather than raising.
Steel Wheel
A five high straight (A-2-3-4-5) of the same suit.
Straddle
A straddle is a blind bet which is usually double the size of the big blind, (and one that player may raise when the action gets to him).
Straight
Five consecutive cards of any suit.
Straight Flush
Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
Structure
The limits put on the blinds/ante, bets, and raises in any particular game.
Stud Games
Games in which players get down cards and up cards.
Stuck
A player who is losing in a game.
S
Satellite
A mini-tournament to gain an entry into a larger tournament.
Scoop
To win the entire pot.
Second Pair
In flop games, when you pair the second highest card on the board.
See
To call.
7 card Stud
A well-known poker game in which players get three down cards and four up cards.
You play the best five of those seven cards.
Click here for information on 7-Card Stud.
Seventh Street
This is the final round of betting in 7 Card Stud and Stud 8 or Better.
Shills
Shills are paid props who help start and maintain poker games.
Showdown
At the end of the final betting round, it's when all active players turn their cards face-up to see who has won the pot.
Side Pot
A separate pot(s) which is contested by remaining active players when one or more players are all-in.
Sixth Street
In 7-Card Stud, this is the fourth "up" card dealt to the player (their 6th card).
It is also the 4th round of betting.
Soft play
Soft play refers to players that are not acting according to the cards they have. They are trying to help a friend or other player by not betting or raising when it would be appropriate to do so. It is considered collusion and can result in the suspension of a player's account.
Solid
A fairly tight player (and reasonably good).
Small Blind
The amount put in the pot by the person immediately to the left of the dealer "button" prior to the cards being dealt.
Speed Limit
A pair of fives.
Split
Tie.
Stack
A pile of chips.
Stay
When a player remains in the game by calling rather than raising.
Steel Wheel
A five high straight (A-2-3-4-5) of the same suit.
Straddle
A straddle is a blind bet which is usually double the size of the big blind, (and one that player may raise when the action gets to him).
Straight
Five consecutive cards of any suit.
Straight Flush
Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
Structure
The limits put on the blinds/ante, bets, and raises in any particular game.
Stud Games
Games in which players get down cards and up cards.
Stuck
A player who is losing in a game.
A mini-tournament to gain an entry into a larger tournament.
Scoop
To win the entire pot.
Second Pair
In flop games, when you pair the second highest card on the board.
See
To call.
7 card Stud
A well-known poker game in which players get three down cards and four up cards.
You play the best five of those seven cards.
Click here for information on 7-Card Stud.
Seventh Street
This is the final round of betting in 7 Card Stud and Stud 8 or Better.
Shills
Shills are paid props who help start and maintain poker games.
Showdown
At the end of the final betting round, it's when all active players turn their cards face-up to see who has won the pot.
Side Pot
A separate pot(s) which is contested by remaining active players when one or more players are all-in.
Sixth Street
In 7-Card Stud, this is the fourth "up" card dealt to the player (their 6th card).
It is also the 4th round of betting.
Soft play
Soft play refers to players that are not acting according to the cards they have. They are trying to help a friend or other player by not betting or raising when it would be appropriate to do so. It is considered collusion and can result in the suspension of a player's account.
Solid
A fairly tight player (and reasonably good).
Small Blind
The amount put in the pot by the person immediately to the left of the dealer "button" prior to the cards being dealt.
Speed Limit
A pair of fives.
Split
Tie.
Stack
A pile of chips.
Stay
When a player remains in the game by calling rather than raising.
Steel Wheel
A five high straight (A-2-3-4-5) of the same suit.
Straddle
A straddle is a blind bet which is usually double the size of the big blind, (and one that player may raise when the action gets to him).
Straight
Five consecutive cards of any suit.
Straight Flush
Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
Structure
The limits put on the blinds/ante, bets, and raises in any particular game.
Stud Games
Games in which players get down cards and up cards.
Stuck
A player who is losing in a game.
R
Rail
The rim of a poker table or a barrier outside a poker area.
Railbird
Someone who hangs around a poker room who watches the games and/or is looking to get into action.
Raise
To increase the previous bet.
Rake
Chips taken from the pot by the cardroom for compensation for hosting the game.
Rank
The value of each card and hand.
Rap
When a player knocks on the table indicating that he/she has checked.
Razz
7 Card Stud where the lowest five cards win the pot.
Re-buy
The amount of chips a player pays to add a fixed number of chips to his/her stack in a tournament.
Re-raise
To raise a raise.
Ring Game
A "live" game that is not a tournament.
River
This is the last card given in all games.
In Hold'em and Omaha, it is also known as 5th street.
In stud games, it is also known as 7th street.
Round of Betting
This is when players have the opportunity to bet, check or raise.
Each round of betting ends when the last bet or raise has been called.
Royal Flush
This is an Ace high straight (A-K-Q-J-10) of the same suit.
It is the best possible hand in poker
The rim of a poker table or a barrier outside a poker area.
Railbird
Someone who hangs around a poker room who watches the games and/or is looking to get into action.
Raise
To increase the previous bet.
Rake
Chips taken from the pot by the cardroom for compensation for hosting the game.
Rank
The value of each card and hand.
Rap
When a player knocks on the table indicating that he/she has checked.
Razz
7 Card Stud where the lowest five cards win the pot.
Re-buy
The amount of chips a player pays to add a fixed number of chips to his/her stack in a tournament.
Re-raise
To raise a raise.
Ring Game
A "live" game that is not a tournament.
River
This is the last card given in all games.
In Hold'em and Omaha, it is also known as 5th street.
In stud games, it is also known as 7th street.
Round of Betting
This is when players have the opportunity to bet, check or raise.
Each round of betting ends when the last bet or raise has been called.
Royal Flush
This is an Ace high straight (A-K-Q-J-10) of the same suit.
It is the best possible hand in poker
Q
Quads
Four of a kind.
Qualifier
In Hi/Lo games, it is a requirement the Low hand must meet to win the pot.
Four of a kind.
Qualifier
In Hi/Lo games, it is a requirement the Low hand must meet to win the pot.
P
Paints
Face or picture cards (Jack, Queen and King).
Pair
Two cards of the same face or number value.
Pass
To fold.
Pay Off
To call on the final round of betting when you may or may not think you have the best hand.
Picture Cards
Face cards (Jack, Queen and King).
Play Back
To raise or re-raise another player's bet.
Playing the Board
In flop games when your best five card hand is all five of the community cards.
Pocket
The down cards or hole cards.
Pocket Rockets
A pair of Aces in the pocket or hole.
Position
Where a player is seated in relation to the dealer, therefore establishing that player's place in the betting order.
Post
When you post a bet, you place your chips in the pot.
Also, if you miss the blind, then you must ‘post’ - add as many chips as were in the blind itself.
Pot
The chips or chips in the center of a table that players try to win.
Pot Limit
This is a game where the maximum bet can equal the pot.
Prop
A person hired by the cardroom to work as a shill.
Push
When the dealer pushes the chips to the winning player at the end of a hand.
It's also when dealers rotate to other tables.
Put Down
To fold a hand.
Face or picture cards (Jack, Queen and King).
Pair
Two cards of the same face or number value.
Pass
To fold.
Pay Off
To call on the final round of betting when you may or may not think you have the best hand.
Picture Cards
Face cards (Jack, Queen and King).
Play Back
To raise or re-raise another player's bet.
Playing the Board
In flop games when your best five card hand is all five of the community cards.
The down cards or hole cards.
Pocket Rockets
A pair of Aces in the pocket or hole.
Position
Where a player is seated in relation to the dealer, therefore establishing that player's place in the betting order.
Post
When you post a bet, you place your chips in the pot.
Also, if you miss the blind, then you must ‘post’ - add as many chips as were in the blind itself.
Pot
The chips or chips in the center of a table that players try to win.
Pot Limit
This is a game where the maximum bet can equal the pot.
Prop
A person hired by the cardroom to work as a shill.
Push
When the dealer pushes the chips to the winning player at the end of a hand.
It's also when dealers rotate to other tables.
Put Down
To fold a hand.
O
Odds
The probability of making a hand vs.
the probability of not making a hand.
Offsuit
Cards of a different suit.
Omaha
A game in which each player is dealt four down cards with five community cards.
To make your hand, you must play two cards from your hand and three from the board.
Open
To make the first bet.
Open-ended Straight
Four consecutive cards whereby one additional (consecutive) card is needed at either end to make a straight.
Open Card
A card that is dealt face-up.
Open Pair
A pair that has been dealt face-up.
Option
An option is a Live Blind made before the cards are dealt.
If no one raises, the ‘option’ player may raise the pot.
Out Button
A disc placed in front of a player who wishes to sit out a hand(s) but remain in the game.
The probability of making a hand vs.
the probability of not making a hand.
Offsuit
Cards of a different suit.
Omaha
A game in which each player is dealt four down cards with five community cards.
To make your hand, you must play two cards from your hand and three from the board.
Open
To make the first bet.
Open-ended Straight
Four consecutive cards whereby one additional (consecutive) card is needed at either end to make a straight.
Open Card
A card that is dealt face-up.
Open Pair
A pair that has been dealt face-up.
Option
An option is a Live Blind made before the cards are dealt.
If no one raises, the ‘option’ player may raise the pot.
Out Button
A disc placed in front of a player who wishes to sit out a hand(s) but remain in the game.
N
No Limit
A game where players can bet as much as they like (as long as they have it in front of them) on any round of betting.
Nuts
The best possible hand at any point of the game.
A hand that cannot be beat.
A game where players can bet as much as they like (as long as they have it in front of them) on any round of betting.
Nuts
The best possible hand at any point of the game.
A hand that cannot be beat.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
How I Tripled my Winning Ratio in 30 Minutes
I discovered one of the best poker resources on the internet. www.pokertableratings.com. (PTR) If you are going to keep playing online poker, you have to join this site. Joining is free. After you join, you can look up your own statistics. I discovered that I was playing like a wimp on preflop, and playing 5 times too aggressive post flop. I flipped my aggressiveness around, and started winning like crazy.
PTR tracks literally billions of hands, at all the major online poker houses. They compile statistics that you can use to analyze and improve your own game. You can also look up the people at your table and find out who is a shark and who is a fish--who to be afraid of, who to call on blinds.
They have so many useful tools that it will take me several posts to tell you about them.
Here is a quote from their site about who they track:
For the player research tools we are tracking 95+ % of the hands that get played on FullTilt (since 4/1/2008), PokerStars (since 9/1/2008), Bodog (since 9/9/2008), Party Poker (since 2/2/2009), Cereus Network (since 4/1/2008), and iPoker (since 8/1/2009) at $.5/$1 NL and higher, and $2/4 Fixed Limit and higher. Omaha Support for PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker was added in October of 2009.
Labels:
Improve Your Game,
Online Tools,
PokerTableRatings
Monday, January 4, 2010
M
Main Pot
The center pot.
Any other bets are placed in a side pot(s) and are contested among the remaining players.
This occurs when a player(s) goes all-in.
Make
To make the deck is to shuffle the deck.
Maniac
A very aggressive player who plays a lot of hands.
Middle Pair
In flop games, when a player makes a pair with one of his/her down cards and the middle card on the flop.
Middle Position
Somewhere between the early and late positions on a round of betting (the fifth, sixth and seventh seats to the left of the button).
Muck
To discard or throw away your hand.
It's also a pile of cards that are no longer in play.
Minimum Buy-In
The least amount you can start a game with.
Monster
A very big hand.
In a tournament, a player who begins to accumulate chips after having a small stack is considered to be a monster.
The center pot.
Any other bets are placed in a side pot(s) and are contested among the remaining players.
This occurs when a player(s) goes all-in.
Make
To make the deck is to shuffle the deck.
Maniac
A very aggressive player who plays a lot of hands.
Middle Pair
In flop games, when a player makes a pair with one of his/her down cards and the middle card on the flop.
Middle Position
Somewhere between the early and late positions on a round of betting (the fifth, sixth and seventh seats to the left of the button).
Muck
To discard or throw away your hand.
It's also a pile of cards that are no longer in play.
Minimum Buy-In
The least amount you can start a game with.
Monster
A very big hand.
In a tournament, a player who begins to accumulate chips after having a small stack is considered to be a monster.
L
Ladies
Two Queens.
Late Position
Position on a round of betting where the player must act after most of the other players have acted, (usually considered to be the two positions next to the button).
Lay Down Your Hand
When a player folds.
Lead
The first player to bet into a pot.
Limit Poker
A game that has fixed minimum and maximum betting intervals along with a prescribed number of raises.
Limper
The first player who calls a bet.
Limp In
To enter the pot by calling rather than raising.
The most common understanding of limping in, is when the first person to speak only calls the Big Blind.
Live Blind
An instance where the player puts in a dark bet and is allowed to raise, even if no other player raises.
It's also known as an "option".
Live Card(s)
In Stud Games, cards that have not yet been seen and are presumed to still be in play.
Live Hand
A hand that could still win the pot.
Live One
An inexperienced player who plays a lot of hands.
Look
When a player calls the final bet before the showdown.
Loose
A player who plays a lot hands.
Two Queens.
Late Position
Position on a round of betting where the player must act after most of the other players have acted, (usually considered to be the two positions next to the button).
Lay Down Your Hand
When a player folds.
Lead
The first player to bet into a pot.
Limit Poker
A game that has fixed minimum and maximum betting intervals along with a prescribed number of raises.
Limper
The first player who calls a bet.
Limp In
To enter the pot by calling rather than raising.
The most common understanding of limping in, is when the first person to speak only calls the Big Blind.
Live Blind
An instance where the player puts in a dark bet and is allowed to raise, even if no other player raises.
It's also known as an "option".
Live Card(s)
In Stud Games, cards that have not yet been seen and are presumed to still be in play.
Live Hand
A hand that could still win the pot.
Live One
An inexperienced player who plays a lot of hands.
Look
When a player calls the final bet before the showdown.
Loose
A player who plays a lot hands.
K
Key Card
A card that gives you a big draw or makes your hand.
Key Hand
In a session or tournament, the one hand that ends up being a turning point for the player, either for better or worse.
Kicker
The highest unpaired side card in a players' hand.
Kick It
Raise.
Kill Pot
A method to stimulate action.
It is a forced bet by someone who has just won a pot(s).
Knock
Check.
Kojak
A hand that contains a King and a Jack.
A card that gives you a big draw or makes your hand.
Key Hand
In a session or tournament, the one hand that ends up being a turning point for the player, either for better or worse.
Kicker
The highest unpaired side card in a players' hand.
Kick It
Raise.
Kill Pot
A method to stimulate action.
It is a forced bet by someone who has just won a pot(s).
Knock
Check.
Kojak
A hand that contains a King and a Jack.
J
Jackpot Poker
A form of poker in which the cardroom or casino offers a jackpot to a player who has lost with a really big hand (Aces full or better).
Jacks-or- Better
A form of poker in which a player needs to have at least a pair of jacks to open the betting.
A form of poker in which the cardroom or casino offers a jackpot to a player who has lost with a really big hand (Aces full or better).
Jacks-or- Better
A form of poker in which a player needs to have at least a pair of jacks to open the betting.
I
Inside Straight
Four cards which require another between the top and the bottom card to complete a straight.
Players who catch this card make an Inside Straight.
Four cards which require another between the top and the bottom card to complete a straight.
Players who catch this card make an Inside Straight.
H
Hand
A player's best five cards.
High-Card
To decide the first dealer in the flop tournaments each user is dealt a single card and the player with the highest card (based on the card and the suit order - of spades, hearts, diamonds & clubs) becomes the theoretical dealer.
High-Low
Split pot games.
Hold 'em
Also known as Texas Hold 'em, where the players get two down cards and five community cards.
See our complete Hold 'em rules in our Game Rules section.
Hole Cards
These are the Down Cards in front of the players.
House
The establishment casino or cardroom that is hosting the poker game.
A player's best five cards.
High-Card
To decide the first dealer in the flop tournaments each user is dealt a single card and the player with the highest card (based on the card and the suit order - of spades, hearts, diamonds & clubs) becomes the theoretical dealer.
High-Low
Split pot games.
Hold 'em
Also known as Texas Hold 'em, where the players get two down cards and five community cards.
See our complete Hold 'em rules in our Game Rules section.
Hole Cards
These are the Down Cards in front of the players.
House
The establishment casino or cardroom that is hosting the poker game.
Some reasons I like Full Tilt Poker better than Poker Stars
I’ve tried them both extensively. I had the opportunity to promote Poker Stars, but declined. I really do like FTP the best, which is why I promote them.
FTP: While in a hand, if you run out of chips, you can refill you stack without leaving the game.
PS: You have to exit the table.
PS: You have to exit the table.
FTP: Free lessons from some of the best poker players in the world. Hours of video lessons. Chances to earn points for completing the lessons and taking challenges at the end of the lessons. You can spend the points in their store.
PS: No lessons. No points. No videos. No advice from pros.
FTP: Lots and lots of choices; Holdem, Omaha, Stud, tournaments, many many more options, lots of choices of stakes sizes. Lots of low stakes tables for beginners
PS: Probably the second-best online in this regard, but not as much as FTP. Espceially when it comes to low stakes options for beginners.
FTP: Very easy navigation when choosing your game (Holdem vs Omaha, etc), choosing your pot style (No Limit, Pot Limit, etc), table size, size of blinds from 2 cents to 100 dollars. They have two different systems to navigate this, and you are free to switch back and forth between the two. Very user friendly
PS: Not so much. Yes, you have choices, but they are fewer, and the navigation is more clumsy.
FTP: Nice aesthetics to the website, the poker lobby, and the poker rooms. In fact, you can choose from a variety of poker rooms.
PS: They need to hire a professional artist.
If you are a beginner and you start with Poker Stars, plan on losing. If you start with FTP, you can play lots of low stakes tables, and then the losing you do at first doesn’t hurt. Because seriously, you do lose at first. But as you develop your skills, there are many options to move up in stakes with FTP. Poker Stars? Just keep on losing and learn to love it.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
F
Fifth Street
Also known as the "river" card.
In flop games, this represents the fifth community card on the table and the final round of betting.
In stud games, this is the fifth card dealt to each player and represents the third round of betting.
Fish
A weak player -- one who gives his money away.
It's a well-known (though not well-followed) rule among good players to not upset the bad players, because they'll stop having fun and perhaps leave. Thus the phrase, "Don't tap on the aquarium."
Five-card Draw
A poker game in which the player is dealt five cards down.
They have one draw to replace them and the best high hand wins the pot.
Five-card Stud
A poker game in which each player is dealt five cards, one down and four up, with betting after 2, 3, 4, & 5 cards.
Flat Call
Calling a bet without raising.
Flop
In Texas Hold'em and Omaha, the first three community cards that are dealt face-up in the center of the table, all at one time.
The "flop" also indicates the second round of betting.
Flop Games
Poker games (Texas Hold 'em and Omaha) that are played using community cards that are dealt face up in the center of the table.
Flush
Any five cards of the same suit
Flush Draw
When a player has four cards in his hand of the same suit and is hoping to draw a fifth to make a flush.
Fold
To throw your poker hand away when it's your turn to act.
Forced Bet
A required bet that starts the action on the first round of a poker hand.
Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same number or face value ("quads").
Fourth Street
In flop games, it is the fourth community card dealt (also known as "the turn") and represents the third round of betting.
In stud poker games, it is the fourth card dealt to each player and represents the second round of betting.
Full House
Any three cards of the same number or face value, plus any other two cards of the same number or face value.
Also known as the "river" card.
In flop games, this represents the fifth community card on the table and the final round of betting.
In stud games, this is the fifth card dealt to each player and represents the third round of betting.
Fish
A weak player -- one who gives his money away.
It's a well-known (though not well-followed) rule among good players to not upset the bad players, because they'll stop having fun and perhaps leave. Thus the phrase, "Don't tap on the aquarium."
Five-card Draw
A poker game in which the player is dealt five cards down.
They have one draw to replace them and the best high hand wins the pot.
Five-card Stud
A poker game in which each player is dealt five cards, one down and four up, with betting after 2, 3, 4, & 5 cards.
Flat Call
Calling a bet without raising.
Flop
In Texas Hold'em and Omaha, the first three community cards that are dealt face-up in the center of the table, all at one time.
The "flop" also indicates the second round of betting.
Flop Games
Poker games (Texas Hold 'em and Omaha) that are played using community cards that are dealt face up in the center of the table.
Flush
Any five cards of the same suit
Flush Draw
When a player has four cards in his hand of the same suit and is hoping to draw a fifth to make a flush.
Fold
To throw your poker hand away when it's your turn to act.
Forced Bet
A required bet that starts the action on the first round of a poker hand.
Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same number or face value ("quads").
Fourth Street
In flop games, it is the fourth community card dealt (also known as "the turn") and represents the third round of betting.
In stud poker games, it is the fourth card dealt to each player and represents the second round of betting.
Full House
Any three cards of the same number or face value, plus any other two cards of the same number or face value.
E
Early Position
Position on a round of betting where the player must act before most of the other players at the table.
(two positions located to the left of the blinds)
Position on a round of betting where the player must act before most of the other players at the table.
(two positions located to the left of the blinds)
D
Dead Man's Hand
Two pair - Aces and Eights
Door Card
This is the first exposed card, or "up" card, in a player's hand in stud games.
Down Card
Hole cards.
Cards that are dealt face down.
Doyle Brunson
It's a Texas Hold’em hand consisting of a 10-2 (Brunson won the World Championship of Poker two years in a row on the final hand with these cards).
Draw
To play a poker hand that is not yet good, but could become so if the right cards come.
Example: "I'm not there yet -- I'm drawing." Also used as a noun.
Example: "I have to call because I have a good draw."
Draw Dead
Trying to make a poker hand that, even if made, will not win the pot.
If you're drawing to make a flush, and your opponent already has a full house, you are "drawing dead." Not a good spot to be in.
Draw Poker
Form of poker where each player is dealt five cards down with the option of discarding one or more and replacing them with new ones to attempt to make a better hand.
Drop
Fold.
Ducks
A pair of Twos.
Deuces
A pair of Twos.
Two pair - Aces and Eights
Door Card
This is the first exposed card, or "up" card, in a player's hand in stud games.
Down Card
Hole cards.
Cards that are dealt face down.
Doyle Brunson
It's a Texas Hold’em hand consisting of a 10-2 (Brunson won the World Championship of Poker two years in a row on the final hand with these cards).
Draw
To play a poker hand that is not yet good, but could become so if the right cards come.
Example: "I'm not there yet -- I'm drawing." Also used as a noun.
Example: "I have to call because I have a good draw."
Draw Dead
Trying to make a poker hand that, even if made, will not win the pot.
If you're drawing to make a flush, and your opponent already has a full house, you are "drawing dead." Not a good spot to be in.
Draw Poker
Form of poker where each player is dealt five cards down with the option of discarding one or more and replacing them with new ones to attempt to make a better hand.
Drop
Fold.
Ducks
A pair of Twos.
Deuces
A pair of Twos.
C
Call
When a player chooses to match the previous bet.
Call Cold
To call both a bet and raise(s).
Cap
To take the last of the maximum amount of raises allowed per round of betting.
Cardroom
The room or space in a casino where poker is played.
Case Chips
A player's last chips.
Cash Out
To leave a game and convert your chips to cash.
Check
When it's a player's turn to act and there has been no action prior to them and he opts not to bet, he ‘checks’.
Check-Raise
When a player first checks and then raises in a betting round.
Chop
To return the blinds to the players who posted them and move on to the next hand if no other players call.
It also means to "split the pot".
Collusion
When two or more players conspire to cheat in a poker game.
Community Cards
Cards that are face-up and used by all players.
Cowboys
Two Kings.
When a player chooses to match the previous bet.
Call Cold
To call both a bet and raise(s).
Cap
To take the last of the maximum amount of raises allowed per round of betting.
Cardroom
The room or space in a casino where poker is played.
Case Chips
A player's last chips.
Cash Out
To leave a game and convert your chips to cash.
Check
When it's a player's turn to act and there has been no action prior to them and he opts not to bet, he ‘checks’.
Check-Raise
When a player first checks and then raises in a betting round.
Chop
To return the blinds to the players who posted them and move on to the next hand if no other players call.
It also means to "split the pot".
Collusion
When two or more players conspire to cheat in a poker game.
Community Cards
Cards that are face-up and used by all players.
Cowboys
Two Kings.
B
Bad Beat
When a hand is beaten by a lucky draw.
Belly Buster
A draw and/or catch to an Inside Straight.
Bet
To place chips into the pot.
Bet the Pot
When a player bets the amount of the pot.
Bicycle
A straight that is A-2-3-4-5.
Big Blind
A designated amount that is placed by the player sitting in the second position, clockwise from the dealer, before any cards are dealt
Big Slick
A hand that contains an Ace and King.
Blind
The bet(s) that must be made by the two players sitting directly to the dealer's left which will start the action on the first round of betting.
The blinds are posted before any cards are dealt.
Blind Raise
When a player raises without looking at his hand.
Bluff
To make other players believe that one has a better hand than he/she might otherwise have by betting or raising when they do not have the best hand.
Boardcards
Community cards in a Hold’em game dealt face-up for all players to see.
In flop games, five cards are dealt face-up in the center of the table. In 7 Card Stud, four cards are dealt face-up in front of each poker player.
Bottom Pair
When a player uses the lowest card on the flop to make a pair with one of his own cards.
Broadway
An Ace high straight (A-K-Q-J-10).
Bring-In
The forced bet made on the first round of betting by the player who is dealt the lowest card showing in 7 Card Stud and Stud 8 or Better.
In Razz (Lowball) it is the highest card showing.
Bring It In
To start the betting on the first round.
Bullets
Pair of Aces.
Bump
To raise.
Button
Also known as the dealer button, it is a small round disk that is moved from player to player in a clockwise direction following each hand, to theoretically indicate the dealer of each hand.
Buy-In
The minimum amount of chips required by a player to sit down in a particular poker game.
When a hand is beaten by a lucky draw.
Belly Buster
A draw and/or catch to an Inside Straight.
Bet
To place chips into the pot.
Bet the Pot
When a player bets the amount of the pot.
Bicycle
A straight that is A-2-3-4-5.
Big Blind
A designated amount that is placed by the player sitting in the second position, clockwise from the dealer, before any cards are dealt
Big Slick
A hand that contains an Ace and King.
Blind
The bet(s) that must be made by the two players sitting directly to the dealer's left which will start the action on the first round of betting.
The blinds are posted before any cards are dealt.
Blind Raise
When a player raises without looking at his hand.
Bluff
To make other players believe that one has a better hand than he/she might otherwise have by betting or raising when they do not have the best hand.
Boardcards
Community cards in a Hold’em game dealt face-up for all players to see.
In flop games, five cards are dealt face-up in the center of the table. In 7 Card Stud, four cards are dealt face-up in front of each poker player.
Bottom Pair
When a player uses the lowest card on the flop to make a pair with one of his own cards.
Broadway
An Ace high straight (A-K-Q-J-10).
Bring-In
The forced bet made on the first round of betting by the player who is dealt the lowest card showing in 7 Card Stud and Stud 8 or Better.
In Razz (Lowball) it is the highest card showing.
Bring It In
To start the betting on the first round.
Bullets
Pair of Aces.
Bump
To raise.
Button
Also known as the dealer button, it is a small round disk that is moved from player to player in a clockwise direction following each hand, to theoretically indicate the dealer of each hand.
Buy-In
The minimum amount of chips required by a player to sit down in a particular poker game.
A
Aces Full
A full house with three aces and any pair.
Ace-High
A five card hand that contains one Ace, with no straight or flush or a hand with no pair in it.
Aces Up
A hand that contains two pairs, one of which is Aces.
Action
Checking/Betting/Raising.
A game in which players are playing a lot of pots is considered an "action" poker game.
Add-on
A purchase of more chips (optional) at the end of the re-buy period in a tournament.
All-In
When a player bets all his/her chips.
In online poker, you may be deemed "All-in" when you are disconnected (even if you have chips remaining).
American Airlines
Two Aces.
Ante
Chips placed in the pot before the hand is begun.
A full house with three aces and any pair.
Ace-High
A five card hand that contains one Ace, with no straight or flush or a hand with no pair in it.
Aces Up
A hand that contains two pairs, one of which is Aces.
Action
Checking/Betting/Raising.
A game in which players are playing a lot of pots is considered an "action" poker game.
Add-on
A purchase of more chips (optional) at the end of the re-buy period in a tournament.
All-In
When a player bets all his/her chips.
In online poker, you may be deemed "All-in" when you are disconnected (even if you have chips remaining).
American Airlines
Two Aces.
Ante
Chips placed in the pot before the hand is begun.
Hold 'em -- Rules and Basics
Texas Holdem is the most popular poker game in the world, and it's easier to learn the rules of Texas Holdem than you'd think. If you've gained an understanding of the basic poker hand rankings, you've already got a great head start on learning the poker rules for any variation of the game.
3.The player to the left of the Small Blind posts the "Big Blind" bet and the pot is funded for the first round.
In the third round, a fourth community card is dealt. This is called the Turn. Another round of betting follows.
Texas Holdem Poker Rules: The Opening Bets
Many people find the first round of betting to be the biggest hurdle in learning how holdem poker.
1.To make sure there is money on the pot for each hand, players to the left of the Dealer position post "blind bets." Blind bets in Texas Holdem Poker mean that players have a reason to play.
2.The player immediately to the Dealer's left posts the "Small Blind" bet.
4.After each hand, the Dealer's position moves clockwise by one player.
Holdem Poker Rules: After The Blinds
After the blinds are posted in a Texas Holdem Poker game, two pocket cards are dealt to each player and the first round of betting occurs. This betting is based on the two cards each player is holding. If you've got a good pair right off the bet, you might bet more, or you may end up with two completely unrelated cards and decide to fold.
In the first round of Texas Holdem Poker betting, the Player to the Big Blind's left plays first and can either fold, bet, or raise. In the first round, betting is capped at one bet and three raises per Player. Players cannot check in the first betting round because the Blinds are bets, not antes.
In the second round, three community cards are dealt. In holdem poker games, this is called the Flop. A round of betting follows, and Players can choose to check, fold, call, or raise. A check can only be performed when no previous players in the rotation have placed a call or raise of their own.
In the fourth round of a Texas Holdem Poker game, a fifth and final community card is dealt. This is called the River Card. The final round of betting follows. The remaining Players then use their two pocket cards and the five community cards to create the best five-card hand possible. The winner takes the pot.
Note: If two or more Players have the same hand, the pot is split equally between them.
Texas Holdem Poker: Popular For A Reason
The shared cards and the nature of betting in poker Texas Holdem style is one of the reasons the game so popular. Once you have a basic understanding of poker rules and poker hand ranks, the psychological aspect of any kind of poker - Texas Holdem or Omaha or otherwise - becomes as much a part of the game as the cards themselves.
Controlling Emotions
Being a successful poker player is all about being in control.
Controlling your emotions is a vital part of poker, to ensure you make good decisions and avoid going 'on tilt'.
But it's not just 'bad beats' that can send you spiraling out of control; there are many little things that can increase your stress levels and turn your normally calm demeanor into an angry one. And as you've probably already noticed, an aggravated poker player is normally a losing poker player.
If you want to be a consistent winner, then, it's essential to keep your emotions under control.
When you get angry a physiological change takes place in your body. The moment your Aces are beaten by J-5 offsuit, your stress levels soar; your heart rate and blood pressure both increase rapidly as your body becomes infused with a cocktail of chemicals such as adrenaline and noradrenalin.
While this has been great for us as an evolutionary race, in modern society there are no woolly mammoths to flee, or sabre-tooth tigers to fight and hurling yourself across the table isn't generally accepted. So to prevent long-term harmful physiological effects and short-term impaired decision-making, we need to know how to calm ourselves down quickly.
The ideal way to keep your emotions in check is to stop yourself from getting overly stressed in the first place.
Socrates said that to succeed in life you need to 'know yourself'.
Another key way of retaining emotional control is to recognize the 'triggers' that set your emotions off in the first place. In the case of poker players, it is usually a bad beat that does the trick. However, other common 'triggers' to look out for are certain types of behavior from your opponents, including things like slow speed of play, excessive (and offensive) speech, and poor play (either your own, or other players' at your expense).
By recognizing and identifying the presence of your triggers, you're giving yourself the chance to proactively deal with the ensuing stress.
Controlling your emotions is a vital part of poker, to ensure you make good decisions and avoid going 'on tilt'.
But it's not just 'bad beats' that can send you spiraling out of control; there are many little things that can increase your stress levels and turn your normally calm demeanor into an angry one. And as you've probably already noticed, an aggravated poker player is normally a losing poker player.
If you want to be a consistent winner, then, it's essential to keep your emotions under control.
When you get angry a physiological change takes place in your body. The moment your Aces are beaten by J-5 offsuit, your stress levels soar; your heart rate and blood pressure both increase rapidly as your body becomes infused with a cocktail of chemicals such as adrenaline and noradrenalin.
While this has been great for us as an evolutionary race, in modern society there are no woolly mammoths to flee, or sabre-tooth tigers to fight and hurling yourself across the table isn't generally accepted. So to prevent long-term harmful physiological effects and short-term impaired decision-making, we need to know how to calm ourselves down quickly.
The ideal way to keep your emotions in check is to stop yourself from getting overly stressed in the first place.
Socrates said that to succeed in life you need to 'know yourself'.
Another key way of retaining emotional control is to recognize the 'triggers' that set your emotions off in the first place. In the case of poker players, it is usually a bad beat that does the trick. However, other common 'triggers' to look out for are certain types of behavior from your opponents, including things like slow speed of play, excessive (and offensive) speech, and poor play (either your own, or other players' at your expense).
By recognizing and identifying the presence of your triggers, you're giving yourself the chance to proactively deal with the ensuing stress.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Some easy ways to lose money
Bluff when you are losing.
If you’ve lost 30% of bank roll, keep playing.
Call high raises without a killer hand
Stay with weak pockets unless you are already winning
Play loose when first set at a table x 2 rounds
If you’ve lost 30% of bank roll, keep playing.
Call high raises without a killer hand
Stay with weak pockets unless you are already winning
Play loose when first set at a table x 2 rounds
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