7 Poker Tricks Every Beginner Should Learn
It’s poker night with the lads. There’s a box of cigars that taste like car fumes, a crisp £20 note in the wallet, and, despite living in Telford and not Texas, you’ve brought a Stetson. There’s just one problem: you don’t have a clue how to play. Not really. As your mates clean up, you play uncertain hands, calling “Royal flush!” at the slightest flash of a queen and going home with wallet and pride depleted. It doesn’t have to be this way, says PokerStars pro player Jake Cody. The British boy wonder has secured one World Series bracelet (an FA cup in the poker world) and one European title, meaning he’s got a few tricks (and nothing else) up his sleeve. He’s taken almost $4 million in winnings so far in his career. You’re unlikely to walk away from Gary’s with the same purse this weekend, but Cody’s insider tips will help you fleece your mates out of their beer money. Keep these close to your chest.
The Basics
Eyes on the prize and all that, but don’t let the promise of dollar signs dilute your deduction skills. “Hand strength, position and stack size – the order in which players take turns and the amount of chips you have – are the things to contemplate, as these three variables dictate whether or not you enter the pot,” says Cody. “After that, it’s imperative to pay attention to opponents’ actions – who are they, and how are they playing.” Swot up on the ranking of different hands (see below) before you start and remember that the best position to be in is the last player to act on a given hand. That way you have some sense of what your opponents are doing so save your biggest bets for then.
Practice Makes Perfect
As with any card game, rigorous training makes for a top player. Poker is no exception. “Real beginners should practise and make sure they know the rules by-heart,” says Cody. “You can read and study strategy and more complex theories, but nothing will speed up the learning curve better than playing the game and jumping in at the deep end. Online services like PokerStars lets you get to grips without dropping a cash deposit.” One thing you’ll pick up early on is that you shouldn’t play too many hands. Going in on everything will tell more experienced players that you’re easy pickings. And by only going after the hands you’re really confident on, you’ll increase your chance of winning. Or rather, reduce your chance of losing more often.
