2 Keys to Optimizing Your C-Bet Frequencies
So… you raised before the flop and got called. Now, you are faced with the most common post-flop spot in poker; a continuation betting decision. Even today, many players are still perplexed when it comes to c-betting. Some mindlessly fire a static c-bet size on the...
Profiling Players | Become a Poker Detective
Accurately profiling poker players has become more important than ever. In order to make targeted adjustments, I find it helpful to follow a profiling and labeling system based on the typical extreme tendencies that my opponents exhibit at the tables. By learning to...
How to Win and Make Money at Poker – 3 Key Concepts to Master
There is more to winning at poker than just trying to find the best strategy. While learning a solid, fundamental strategy is important, it is not necessarily going to make you an expert player. In the beginning, we all start out as donkeys and fish and, as we learn,...
10 Unorthodox Ways to End a Poker Downswing
Dealing with downswings in poker is a common occurrence for avid players. If you play long enough, variance will inevitably strike and you will be forced to deal with a soul-crushing downswing. In fact, running bad enough to generate a bad luck streak will happen...
A 3 Step Process to Thinking Through a Poker Hand
You’ve probably spent a lot of time studying, reading, and thinking about poker strategy and tactics, and maybe even learned about how that theory can be used to plan hands based on other players at the table. However, scant literature has been dedicated to the way...
1 Easy Step to Growing a Bankroll Quickly
Over the years, I have seen a couple of questions floated around quite often. People either ask, “what’s the best way to build a bankroll?” or, “what’s the fastest way to build a bankroll from scratch?” I think I have a simple, if unorthodox, answer to both questions....
What Does Folding Mean in Poker? | A Quick Guide
If someone based their entire understanding of poker around what they saw on TV or in movies, they might think that folding is a horrible thing to do. Invariably, on-screen heroes always either have an amazing hand or make a perfect bluff to win the pot at all costs....
What Is a Bad Beat in Poker? The Truth Revealed
I have played millions of hands and have seen just about every kind of result you can imagine. This experience has made me painfully aware of what a bad beat is in poker. Part of the game is that there is almost no such thing as an invulnerable hand. However,...
Heads Up Poker Rules for Texas Hold’em
Once heads-up is achieved in a home game or pub poker tournament, the most common question that I hear is, "Who goes first?" "who gets dealt the first card?" or "who has the button?" In fact, the most common time that gameplay rule violations occur at the poker table...
Burn and Turn Rules for Texas Hold’Em
There are up to 3 total burn cards in a Texas Hold'em poker hand. Before dealing the flop, turn, or river, the dealer is required to take the top card from the deck and burn (discard) it. The burn card is never to be shown to the players, as it could influence future...
How Many Seats at a Poker Table? | Figuring out the Maximum Players
Knowing the optimal number of players that can sit at a poker table is important when running a home game, poker night, or a local pub poker tournament. For those of you who have ever sat at a casino poker table that is full will know what I’m talking about. To...
Who Goes First in Texas Hold’Em | Order of Play
In Texas Hold'em, the person who starts or goes first is dependent on what stage of the hand is being played. Before the flop, the first person to act is the player seated directly to the left of the Big Blind. This seat is often referred to as Under The Gun (UTG)....
Are Poker Bots Profitable? | The Legality of Bots & How to Spot Them
Technology seems to increase exponentially with each passing year. I have often wondered if poker bots are profitable and had solved the game of poker, making humans irrelevant. So I did some research and here are my findings. Are poker bots profitable? Poker bots are...
Bovada Poker: A Real Player’s Must-Read In-Depth Review
If you aren't quite sure whether you should take the leap and play on Bovada, don't worry. I have played millions of hands there and will help you make an informed decision. What is Bovada like? Bovada is a recreational player friendly poker site that has completely...
Is Poker a Sport or a Game? | Why Poker Players are Athletes
A while back, a buddy and I had a friendly argument over whether poker should be considered a sport or a game. I have been a professional poker player and poker author for years but, until now, have never given the subject much thought. After some research and...
5 Real Reasons Why Poker Players Wear Sunglasses at the Table
Go in any casino or watch poker on television and you will undoubtedly see at least a couple of people donning sunglasses at every table. Being an online poker player, I have often wondered why this practice is so prevalent. So I did a bit of research into the...
How Are Poker Machines Programmed?
While visiting casinos, I have often wondered how video poker machines work. Is there any skill involved in beating them? Or are they programmed in favor of the house and require luck to win like slot machines? So, I did a bit of research and these are my findings....
What Is Considered Small, Mid, and High Stakes Poker? – The Key Differences
Every cash game poker player strives to move up from micro-stakes to small stakes beyond. I have been playing for over 12 years and can shed some on the various stake levels as well as what it takes to beat them. What is considered small, mid, and high-stakes poker?...