February 23rd, 2010 
holdem master 
Whatever type of poker you are playing, maybe its free online poker, pay poker or poker with friends, there are two types of players when sitting at a Texas Holdem table, the ones who play the cards and the others who play the player. How does one decide what is the best style of play? In my experience, it really comes down to both, playing the player and the cards.
I spent many years trying to perfect my game and working out the percentages of the hands and outs, etc. I would say that it benefited me, but not as greatly as I would have liked. What I did not factor in, was the style of play by others. Playing the player is a strategy that should not be overlooked.
Many players will play nearly any cards dealt to them. Bluff out the table to take in the pot. Other times just plain get lucky and “donk”. After all it is poker and any 2 cards can typically win a hand.
The question some may ask is how do you play a player. The simplistic answer is to observe and study how possible opponent’s play before you attempt playing a player. Spend time watching their style, when they bet, how much, do they reraise often. This can be quite time consuming but can be very educational and helpful when you are ready to sit and play against them.
Does it always work to your advantage? The answer is no. It is poker and a game of chance after all. No matter how great your poker skills are, you are not always going to win. But in the long run it will vastly improve your chances of winning against this type of player. You may not win every hand or every time, but you will win more than just playing your cards.
Good luck with these tips and I hope to see you at the free online poker tables soon!
Posted in 
Tags: 
