To start this article and in my opinion an absolute shocker of a mistake to make when playing in a poker contest is "checking it down" when an opponent goes all in- purely with the purpose to go up in the cash of a free poker tournament.
Now I suppose in some situations it is fine. For instance if there is not much money in the main pot, or there is no raise-equity in making a bet. But I simply hate the play of checking it down just for the sake of moving up in the money. My personal opinion is it takes away from your chance to win the pot. You also can let the other opponents catch up to you, when they would have obviously folded to a bet. It is a much safer play and stronger play to bet instead of check if u have the hand. This way u wont loose any more than u have too.
The following part of this article will illustrate the significance of online free poker tournament bankroll skills.
It's extremely effortless to be out of your entire budget by not having the basic bankroll supervision experience. I have found that Chris "Jesus" Ferguson's methods work fairly well in practice. For this method, you can only purchase into multi table poker competitions for no more than two percent or your total bankroll and Sit and Go poker games for five percent of your full amount.
At NoPayPOKER we recommend for money competitions you mustn't put in more than three percent of your entire amount though, Ferguson believes five percent is considered ok. So it comes down to your stance to risk at this stage, it's a good idea to find your risk tolerance at the online poker sites.
This is very important because good bankroll management is the key to success in online poker. It is also very important to move down in stakes if you go on a bad losing streak. This is problem the hardest thing you can try to do. Moving down in stakes is even more important than keeping a good roll management technique in mind.
Wednesday 21 April 2010
Sunday 18 April 2010
A Novices Guide to Free Poker Limit Hold-em
Limit hold'em poker is a great game and usually the first to be picked up by players after no limit free poker. The rule's are all the same except in the way betting is carried out. The limit is the equal to the big blind and you can not bet over that limit so the only way to get it higher is to check in the first round of betting in early positions and bet in the later positions. Also a player may want to broaden his selection of playable hands quite considerably depending on their current style of play.
The basic's are pretty much the same with three simple rules that are bet, bet, and bet. Pre-flop you want to bet the pot as much as you can with your big hands and call the minimum with most everything from low suited connecters on up in the later positions. After the flop you want to bet with any made hands or draws equal to or greater then a flush draw taking the strength of the finishing hand into consideration.
The key design is to simply carry the stakes up to a large extent as you can at any time you believe you could possibly win the round. There are many advantages and disadvantages of limit hold-em and one which is viewed as both is the idea of continuous gambling due to both you and the opposition to chase a hand on the river. Your opponent will acquire the same split as you when the time is right. With any luck this guide will assist your mentality of 'have a go'. The best place to put the theory into practice is on the free poker sites- remember play hard and have fun!
The basic's are pretty much the same with three simple rules that are bet, bet, and bet. Pre-flop you want to bet the pot as much as you can with your big hands and call the minimum with most everything from low suited connecters on up in the later positions. After the flop you want to bet with any made hands or draws equal to or greater then a flush draw taking the strength of the finishing hand into consideration.
The key design is to simply carry the stakes up to a large extent as you can at any time you believe you could possibly win the round. There are many advantages and disadvantages of limit hold-em and one which is viewed as both is the idea of continuous gambling due to both you and the opposition to chase a hand on the river. Your opponent will acquire the same split as you when the time is right. With any luck this guide will assist your mentality of 'have a go'. The best place to put the theory into practice is on the free poker sites- remember play hard and have fun!
Thursday 15 April 2010
Free Poker Guide to Dealing with Online Poker Fatigue
Playing over the internet using cash on one of the free poker sites can be pleasing but can also take its toll. This article aims to give you a variety of ideas to keep the game refreshing, ok it's an alternative guide!
1. Once prefrontal lobe pressure has built up due too an excess of wishing on the river, nip to the kitchen and grab the nearest tea cosy and place it on your head. This will disperse the pressure around your skull, as well as keep you warm.
2. When playing Online Poker on a laptop. If you become worried that your unmentionables are beginning to cook, ask your partner if they would kneel in front of you and gently blow between your thighs. They will also make a handy footrest.
For the sci-fi fans out there, I suggest wrapping yourself head to toe in tin-foil as this will also stop opponents and uso's intercepting your thoughts.
3. When suffering finger cramp from obsessive bluffing, swap hands and rest your playing finger in a pot of low fat yoghurt. Allow five minutes to soothe then continue. Eat yoghurt at a later date.
4. A late night game or after a good few hours you may start to drift off and hear the land of nod calling. The best method of staying awake is to smash a six inch heavy duty nail into the wall directly behind you. You then need to wedge a few stacks of cards below the front of your front two chair legs to make the chair unsteady. You can now rest assured that if you do nod off you will fall back straight into the nail and probably never wake up again- now there's an incentive!
5. After a long period of time sitting down and playing you will eventually have back pain- a good solution is to pinch your checks several times which will not only give you a nice blush effect it will also give you something else to think about!
I have developed these methods myself, and I assure you they work. Remember: Tea Cosy. Blowing. Tin Foil. Yoghurt. Sellotape. Pinch.
Just like Gran use to say 'free poker is fun dear' but when you get online Poker fatigue you need to stop or take drastic action!
1. Once prefrontal lobe pressure has built up due too an excess of wishing on the river, nip to the kitchen and grab the nearest tea cosy and place it on your head. This will disperse the pressure around your skull, as well as keep you warm.
2. When playing Online Poker on a laptop. If you become worried that your unmentionables are beginning to cook, ask your partner if they would kneel in front of you and gently blow between your thighs. They will also make a handy footrest.
For the sci-fi fans out there, I suggest wrapping yourself head to toe in tin-foil as this will also stop opponents and uso's intercepting your thoughts.
3. When suffering finger cramp from obsessive bluffing, swap hands and rest your playing finger in a pot of low fat yoghurt. Allow five minutes to soothe then continue. Eat yoghurt at a later date.
4. A late night game or after a good few hours you may start to drift off and hear the land of nod calling. The best method of staying awake is to smash a six inch heavy duty nail into the wall directly behind you. You then need to wedge a few stacks of cards below the front of your front two chair legs to make the chair unsteady. You can now rest assured that if you do nod off you will fall back straight into the nail and probably never wake up again- now there's an incentive!
5. After a long period of time sitting down and playing you will eventually have back pain- a good solution is to pinch your checks several times which will not only give you a nice blush effect it will also give you something else to think about!
I have developed these methods myself, and I assure you they work. Remember: Tea Cosy. Blowing. Tin Foil. Yoghurt. Sellotape. Pinch.
Just like Gran use to say 'free poker is fun dear' but when you get online Poker fatigue you need to stop or take drastic action!
Thursday 8 April 2010
A Few Things You Might Not Know About Free Poker
Here are a few things that I am not sure that all free poker players know but they should know.
When Jamie Gold won the WSOP a rule came into effect into the poker community. That is not to talk about your hand or anyone's hand for that matter. If you hit a full house with your junk hand you may feel its funny and information others may find funny but if the hands is still going on many players will become upset very fast.
This rule extends further than your own hand and is also true if you decide to start playing mind games by calling opponents 'bluffs' or declaring their good hands. You must remember for every action there is a reaction, and if this reaction deters a player from going all in when they could have won or they go all in believing someone is 'bluffing' when they're not- well you don't need me to tell you that you will be as popular as a soft drink on stag do!
Another thing players may not know is that it is also a rule now that you can no longer show only one card from your hand. If you show one you must show both. Also do not "splash the pot", what this means is don't throw you chips into the middle of the table.
When betting always stack your chips neatly in front of you just past the line that should be marked around the table so that everyone can see and count exactly what you bet/called.
This is not a rule but just some news that many have not heard yet and that is the WSOP is no longer considered a professional poker event and will no longer be broadcast. I know what your all thinking but no that doesn't mean that Phil Helmuth is now considered a bum but it does mean that he will need to win another professional event in something other then the WSOP and he came very close this year.
Hopefully you found this article interesting and for us free poker players these rules should cause no issues!
When Jamie Gold won the WSOP a rule came into effect into the poker community. That is not to talk about your hand or anyone's hand for that matter. If you hit a full house with your junk hand you may feel its funny and information others may find funny but if the hands is still going on many players will become upset very fast.
This rule extends further than your own hand and is also true if you decide to start playing mind games by calling opponents 'bluffs' or declaring their good hands. You must remember for every action there is a reaction, and if this reaction deters a player from going all in when they could have won or they go all in believing someone is 'bluffing' when they're not- well you don't need me to tell you that you will be as popular as a soft drink on stag do!
Another thing players may not know is that it is also a rule now that you can no longer show only one card from your hand. If you show one you must show both. Also do not "splash the pot", what this means is don't throw you chips into the middle of the table.
When betting always stack your chips neatly in front of you just past the line that should be marked around the table so that everyone can see and count exactly what you bet/called.
This is not a rule but just some news that many have not heard yet and that is the WSOP is no longer considered a professional poker event and will no longer be broadcast. I know what your all thinking but no that doesn't mean that Phil Helmuth is now considered a bum but it does mean that he will need to win another professional event in something other then the WSOP and he came very close this year.
Hopefully you found this article interesting and for us free poker players these rules should cause no issues!
Monday 5 April 2010
Free Poker Guide to Setting up Private Games
Private poker games have been around since the beginning of poker but in today's world with many households containing two career oriented adults with children it's very difficult to schedule a time for a game with friends.
In an advancing technological world there are solutions out there. The rapid spread of poker played over the internet including many free poker sites now offer the opportunity for you to set up your own private games. These games are slightly different to the ones you may have previously experienced however you will still have the choice of stakes, starting chips and blinds.
While Texas Holdem is one of the most popular online games Omaha is now making a big come back and on many sites both are available in the private games.
The majority of internet games only have a small opportunity to join so its good practice to be organised and invite all of the players well in advance. Not all sites have the option of slotted start times so shop about first.
Another good tip on the organisational front is to find how easy the game is to find and access once you have set it up. Some of the bigger sites make this extremely difficult- once you have found a site you can use and find, be sure to spread the word.
At this point I should also make the obvious clear that as your playing over the internet you must obey the 'house rules' of the hosting site. Some sites have bans on bad language and also remember anyone has the ability to try and join your game or see it.
After locating a site that offers the type of game and the features you want, you will find both money and free poker sites that do all you need to do is schedule a time that your friends can be online, make the game and begin playing.
In an advancing technological world there are solutions out there. The rapid spread of poker played over the internet including many free poker sites now offer the opportunity for you to set up your own private games. These games are slightly different to the ones you may have previously experienced however you will still have the choice of stakes, starting chips and blinds.
While Texas Holdem is one of the most popular online games Omaha is now making a big come back and on many sites both are available in the private games.
The majority of internet games only have a small opportunity to join so its good practice to be organised and invite all of the players well in advance. Not all sites have the option of slotted start times so shop about first.
Another good tip on the organisational front is to find how easy the game is to find and access once you have set it up. Some of the bigger sites make this extremely difficult- once you have found a site you can use and find, be sure to spread the word.
At this point I should also make the obvious clear that as your playing over the internet you must obey the 'house rules' of the hosting site. Some sites have bans on bad language and also remember anyone has the ability to try and join your game or see it.
After locating a site that offers the type of game and the features you want, you will find both money and free poker sites that do all you need to do is schedule a time that your friends can be online, make the game and begin playing.
Friday 2 April 2010
Free Poker Games Guide - All Poker Players Suffer Bad Beats - Its How You Bounce Back that Counts
Excitement runs through your veins as your eyes lighten up to the possibility of what your hand shows: a 2, 8, and yes you guessed it a fabulous King. You mildly lean over giving the slightest touch to the 2 old boys that lay in front of you. All the practice on the free poker games sites has paid off. The cards you hold have finally come in rainbow and the 2 lows are a fair distance apart. Flushes and str8's are pretty much finished- and the kings reign supreme.
As you sit in anticipation for your turn you take a quick look over your opponents trying not to give any signs away of the fabulous hand you hold- there sits a fish. They have all played their part and helped water the stack as you sit watching it flourish. The bad calls and awful bets are all helping line your back pocket. They continue to outstack you after their latest hail-mary & you sit hoping they continue to push.
Your heart stops as fishy gets his go and as if it was Christmas he throws more money at the pot. This is it, its time to take the pot home; it's the moment you dreamed of while learning your trade on the free poker games, and you want to take this opportunity. Inevitably it's time to push your stack and show them all the Kings.
The fish slowly shows his cards and there it is pocket sevens! A huge gasp as everyone must be questioning what the hell they were doing. You stay calm in the comfort that his only possibility of saviour is to pull 2 more 7's out the hat. Now off of the turn; and as if by magic the first of those 7's appears. You can't believe it- and as if things couldn't get any worse, without hesitation the dealer reveals the 4th dreaded 7! Shock horror!
Your heart sinks and you drop to you knees. You have been forsaken. You swear never to play again as the gods can't exist and let that happen. You want to scream as fishy. But you don't. You congratulate and leave.
In hindsight you start pondering with what had just happened- is there anything you could have played different; probably not. I guess there's no point holding on to this and you decide to let it go remembering how fishy played his hand.
I guess the moral of this article is just to remember all players have different strategies and all come with the belief there strategy will take them to the end. You must not discard the bad beats or reprimand the opponents who give you them, as these are money making people. Keep them in your mind but don't divulge this to others- smile and believe their cash will soon be yours.
And remember, there are always free poker games to practice on before you have to take a serious bad beat for real!
As you sit in anticipation for your turn you take a quick look over your opponents trying not to give any signs away of the fabulous hand you hold- there sits a fish. They have all played their part and helped water the stack as you sit watching it flourish. The bad calls and awful bets are all helping line your back pocket. They continue to outstack you after their latest hail-mary & you sit hoping they continue to push.
Your heart stops as fishy gets his go and as if it was Christmas he throws more money at the pot. This is it, its time to take the pot home; it's the moment you dreamed of while learning your trade on the free poker games, and you want to take this opportunity. Inevitably it's time to push your stack and show them all the Kings.
The fish slowly shows his cards and there it is pocket sevens! A huge gasp as everyone must be questioning what the hell they were doing. You stay calm in the comfort that his only possibility of saviour is to pull 2 more 7's out the hat. Now off of the turn; and as if by magic the first of those 7's appears. You can't believe it- and as if things couldn't get any worse, without hesitation the dealer reveals the 4th dreaded 7! Shock horror!
Your heart sinks and you drop to you knees. You have been forsaken. You swear never to play again as the gods can't exist and let that happen. You want to scream as fishy. But you don't. You congratulate and leave.
In hindsight you start pondering with what had just happened- is there anything you could have played different; probably not. I guess there's no point holding on to this and you decide to let it go remembering how fishy played his hand.
I guess the moral of this article is just to remember all players have different strategies and all come with the belief there strategy will take them to the end. You must not discard the bad beats or reprimand the opponents who give you them, as these are money making people. Keep them in your mind but don't divulge this to others- smile and believe their cash will soon be yours.
And remember, there are always free poker games to practice on before you have to take a serious bad beat for real!
Monday 29 March 2010
Free Poker Guide to the Slow Play
All poker games from the high stake bright light games for sin city to the free poker games come down to the ability to win cash from small opportunities. The strategy is to attempt to play reasonable in every game possible- sounds almost defeatist, but the truth is you simply can't win every game. One way to achieve this to out bet the opposition and a way of achieving this is through slow play.
The Art of the Slow-play
The slow-play is when you deliberately under bet so as to disguise the strength of your hand and trap your opponent with a weaker hand.
Unlike the bluff bet, the slow-play is effective against strong and weak opponents. Bad opponents simply bet their hand, so if they have something or they are simply on a draw, they are going to pay you off.
When not to Slow-Play
You shouldn't slow play when there is a flush or straight draw on the board. You should only slow play when your opponent has a hand that is not likely to improve enough to beat yours. Suppose the flop is AD-7H-KC and you hold 7D-7C, and you put your opponent on an A or K. It's usually more profitable to bet the hand aggressively on the turn.
If you slow-play the turn, you are sacrificing an opportunity to make money on the turn. The only reason to slow-play here is if your read on your opponents is that they will fold with any bet you make.
If you manage to get quads or a full house don't over play the hand- if the opposition are not strategically sitting right, they don't seem to gamble often on the river, instead they check or call. By slow playing this turn, this type of opposition wont raise or re raise on the river.
As a result continue to gamble on the turn regardless of their development. They will hardly put you on the quads so attempt to get some game on the turn.
How to Represent Your Hand
The obvious assumption is that a big gamble stands for decent cards. This is believed even more so when gambling after the flop. If an ace or king comes to surface on the flop you can represent the same by gambling. You will learn that it's what the opposition believes you have that is almost as important to the cards you are actually holding, especially if you have a relatively poor hand.
So there you have it a fast guide to the slow play. Typically it works better with money games than free poker where you'll find many beginners who don't pick up the nuances and throw all in regardless! But of you find yourself in a free online poker freeroll with real money up for grabs then think about how and when you might apply it.
The Art of the Slow-play
The slow-play is when you deliberately under bet so as to disguise the strength of your hand and trap your opponent with a weaker hand.
Unlike the bluff bet, the slow-play is effective against strong and weak opponents. Bad opponents simply bet their hand, so if they have something or they are simply on a draw, they are going to pay you off.
When not to Slow-Play
You shouldn't slow play when there is a flush or straight draw on the board. You should only slow play when your opponent has a hand that is not likely to improve enough to beat yours. Suppose the flop is AD-7H-KC and you hold 7D-7C, and you put your opponent on an A or K. It's usually more profitable to bet the hand aggressively on the turn.
If you slow-play the turn, you are sacrificing an opportunity to make money on the turn. The only reason to slow-play here is if your read on your opponents is that they will fold with any bet you make.
If you manage to get quads or a full house don't over play the hand- if the opposition are not strategically sitting right, they don't seem to gamble often on the river, instead they check or call. By slow playing this turn, this type of opposition wont raise or re raise on the river.
As a result continue to gamble on the turn regardless of their development. They will hardly put you on the quads so attempt to get some game on the turn.
How to Represent Your Hand
The obvious assumption is that a big gamble stands for decent cards. This is believed even more so when gambling after the flop. If an ace or king comes to surface on the flop you can represent the same by gambling. You will learn that it's what the opposition believes you have that is almost as important to the cards you are actually holding, especially if you have a relatively poor hand.
So there you have it a fast guide to the slow play. Typically it works better with money games than free poker where you'll find many beginners who don't pick up the nuances and throw all in regardless! But of you find yourself in a free online poker freeroll with real money up for grabs then think about how and when you might apply it.
Sunday 28 March 2010
Free Poker Tournament Guide a Hand by Hand
I'm going to talk you through a step by step account of a recent free poker tournament I played in. My intention is making you think and question future plays of certain scenarios.
The game was ten of thirty one paid- decent odds of three to one so my decision is to play smooth and take a back seat as the games commences. A few of the cards I used at the start were fifty two suited in the small blind & K9 off with six to one pot odds. AJ off I fall pitiless- the odds are purely the difference between the cost to call to the size of the pot e.g. one hundred dollars to see six hundred dollars would be six to one.
I have built up around a grand playing the K9 forcefully with Q9Q flop and hitting a free ace on the river with an ace / jack. I find myself saying the same old thing time and time again: you have to gamble in the uncertain plays if no one else has or you will end up with nothing else to go on.
I gamble with three times my bet with a King / King and have one caller- the flop happens at five, eight, ten, and he bets so I blag his J10 for another grand. The generalisation of slow play is when you're holding unstoppable cards; however the game here is far too tight.
An example of cards I have had to limp off with are: A2, A3 suited, and 88 due to the poor odds. By poor odds I mean to work out how much cash your opponents are holding and to know if it's possible to bankrupt someone with good cards calling five dollars with junk may not seem as bad if you can take their fifty dollars in doing so.
Some hands that I have passed on now that the blinds are higher and pot odds are getting slimmer are K10 suited, J10 suited and Q8 suited and the Q8 turned out to be a bad fold. About 1 hour 30 minutes in and I still have the 2k I made early plus another $560 with random small pots.
I am folding AQ off suit here because we are two away from payout and it looks like smooth sailing to the final table. Folding these higher hands takes a lot of discipline but becomes easier with each bubble you get. The bubble refers to the last person to go out before the pay. I end the match in 6th place which I'm very happy with...you can make living from places like that if you're consistent. So start small, play on free poker tournament sites and work your way up in line with your growing confidence and bankroll.
The game was ten of thirty one paid- decent odds of three to one so my decision is to play smooth and take a back seat as the games commences. A few of the cards I used at the start were fifty two suited in the small blind & K9 off with six to one pot odds. AJ off I fall pitiless- the odds are purely the difference between the cost to call to the size of the pot e.g. one hundred dollars to see six hundred dollars would be six to one.
I have built up around a grand playing the K9 forcefully with Q9Q flop and hitting a free ace on the river with an ace / jack. I find myself saying the same old thing time and time again: you have to gamble in the uncertain plays if no one else has or you will end up with nothing else to go on.
I gamble with three times my bet with a King / King and have one caller- the flop happens at five, eight, ten, and he bets so I blag his J10 for another grand. The generalisation of slow play is when you're holding unstoppable cards; however the game here is far too tight.
An example of cards I have had to limp off with are: A2, A3 suited, and 88 due to the poor odds. By poor odds I mean to work out how much cash your opponents are holding and to know if it's possible to bankrupt someone with good cards calling five dollars with junk may not seem as bad if you can take their fifty dollars in doing so.
Some hands that I have passed on now that the blinds are higher and pot odds are getting slimmer are K10 suited, J10 suited and Q8 suited and the Q8 turned out to be a bad fold. About 1 hour 30 minutes in and I still have the 2k I made early plus another $560 with random small pots.
I am folding AQ off suit here because we are two away from payout and it looks like smooth sailing to the final table. Folding these higher hands takes a lot of discipline but becomes easier with each bubble you get. The bubble refers to the last person to go out before the pay. I end the match in 6th place which I'm very happy with...you can make living from places like that if you're consistent. So start small, play on free poker tournament sites and work your way up in line with your growing confidence and bankroll.
Monday 22 March 2010
Free Poker Tournament Position Play Tactics
Your position in a free poker tournament or Sit 'n Go is very important. Depending on where you are, there are certain ways to play and optimise your chances.
Imagine one of your opponents opens, the following 2 call, and the next opponent raises it, than it's impossible for me to come in on a str8. For instance say I call the raise the other opponents following me and could have limped their decent cards. So if I put my checks in to draw at the str8- the following opponent calls and the next moves in and raises the raiser- my str8 would become very doubtful. Remember putting checks into the pot means you have to believe you can go with your cards.
Additionally I'm not in place- and it comes down to being in a bad position as under the gun- 1st to tattletale your hand. The original raiser could go again with a common amount- I could call them- as at this time I don't believe my str8 has the potential to win. I will also get some action from 4 other opponents. When this occurs it will leave the pot at five to one I cant make my str8 although the card draw chances are not five to one that I wont. So in this play I could gamble all my checks and this is where the concealed percentages appear. I know that my str8 will take an opponent down.
Regardless as I'm not able to be open- I don't have a 1/4 in the pot at this stage and therefore I don't see the point risking my check to come in and draw at this probable. I could go in and make it, I may still go bankrupt. In stead of playing all of this speculation- I could just wait a minute and play with a new hand.
However, I would play this hand altogether differently in a limit game. I'd go ahead and call this raise and re-raise, knowing there is a limit on what I could lose. And if I did make it, I'd sure as hell bet that I could, because I don't draw to any hand that I won't bet. If you draw at something, make it, and check it, then you're defeating yourself.
There are general strategies you can use for Hold'em competitions & sit & go tables. Practice makes perfect and the more you practice your style and advance the better you will become. You don't want to learn this trade by parting and potentially loosing your hard earned cash so what better place to learn your trade than playing a free poker tournament.
Imagine one of your opponents opens, the following 2 call, and the next opponent raises it, than it's impossible for me to come in on a str8. For instance say I call the raise the other opponents following me and could have limped their decent cards. So if I put my checks in to draw at the str8- the following opponent calls and the next moves in and raises the raiser- my str8 would become very doubtful. Remember putting checks into the pot means you have to believe you can go with your cards.
Additionally I'm not in place- and it comes down to being in a bad position as under the gun- 1st to tattletale your hand. The original raiser could go again with a common amount- I could call them- as at this time I don't believe my str8 has the potential to win. I will also get some action from 4 other opponents. When this occurs it will leave the pot at five to one I cant make my str8 although the card draw chances are not five to one that I wont. So in this play I could gamble all my checks and this is where the concealed percentages appear. I know that my str8 will take an opponent down.
Regardless as I'm not able to be open- I don't have a 1/4 in the pot at this stage and therefore I don't see the point risking my check to come in and draw at this probable. I could go in and make it, I may still go bankrupt. In stead of playing all of this speculation- I could just wait a minute and play with a new hand.
However, I would play this hand altogether differently in a limit game. I'd go ahead and call this raise and re-raise, knowing there is a limit on what I could lose. And if I did make it, I'd sure as hell bet that I could, because I don't draw to any hand that I won't bet. If you draw at something, make it, and check it, then you're defeating yourself.
There are general strategies you can use for Hold'em competitions & sit & go tables. Practice makes perfect and the more you practice your style and advance the better you will become. You don't want to learn this trade by parting and potentially loosing your hard earned cash so what better place to learn your trade than playing a free poker tournament.
Tuesday 16 March 2010
More Than Just Beginners Luck For Any Novice Free Online Poker Players
After playing free online poker for a week now I have found that patience is the key to consistency. Since my last article I have discovered the wonders of the free-roll. In my opinion the best way to play tournaments is carefully. I have seen countless numbers of people going all in on the first hand and then getting burned, it's crazy!
It goes without saying this puts all but one player into a shallow grave. If you can play conservatively till you find yourself on the top table; you will then be in with a shout of playing more forcefully. Many would be disappointed with some of the cards I have folded with near the beginning of the game, but chances are those same people would not make it to the later stages as often as I do.
My highest Free-roll finish was 4th from 150 which I was proud of being only a beginner. This game made me realise that getting into the paid places is easier than it first appears when everyone goes all in.
Using a step up raise technique I have found continues to work. The most I have won in one hand with this was $75 FreeD in the same hand I got my first straight flush beating a very confident ace high flush that pushed it's owner to go all in.
Mathematics I have found to be incredibly important. Knowing the chances of a flush by the river from two suited cards or the chances of winning from a certain pocket pair. Wising up on your odds will help greatly.
Every game is still a learning curve, and the opponents I pit myself against on my free online poker site are remarkably sociable ensuring win or lose I have a great time.
I know that I will continue to play free poker online for a long time to come and I look forward to perfecting my game as time goes on.
It goes without saying this puts all but one player into a shallow grave. If you can play conservatively till you find yourself on the top table; you will then be in with a shout of playing more forcefully. Many would be disappointed with some of the cards I have folded with near the beginning of the game, but chances are those same people would not make it to the later stages as often as I do.
My highest Free-roll finish was 4th from 150 which I was proud of being only a beginner. This game made me realise that getting into the paid places is easier than it first appears when everyone goes all in.
Using a step up raise technique I have found continues to work. The most I have won in one hand with this was $75 FreeD in the same hand I got my first straight flush beating a very confident ace high flush that pushed it's owner to go all in.
Mathematics I have found to be incredibly important. Knowing the chances of a flush by the river from two suited cards or the chances of winning from a certain pocket pair. Wising up on your odds will help greatly.
Every game is still a learning curve, and the opponents I pit myself against on my free online poker site are remarkably sociable ensuring win or lose I have a great time.
I know that I will continue to play free poker online for a long time to come and I look forward to perfecting my game as time goes on.
Monday 8 March 2010
Free Poker Tips - A Beginners guide to Texas Holdem
By reading this article you will gain an essential understanding of the basics on how to play Texas Holdem, whether you're playing pay or free poker. Like all variants of poker, individuals compete for combined money or chips (known as the pot). The rotation of the game is always to the dealers left. At the start of the game each gambler receives 2cards, placed with the suit down so the gambler can not see their hand. This is your first chance to have a flutter and during this first period each participant gets the chance to continue or walk away.
The following play involves an additional 3 community cards being dealt out by the dealer in the middle of the table face up- also known as the "flop". These cards are an essential part of the players "hand" and will be used alongside the original 2 cards in hand. After the flop the next round of betting takes place, although there is now an opportunity to "pass" due to the pot previously commencing.
As with before 2 additional cards ("the turn" and "the river") are then dealt out to the middle of the table with the suit facing upwards for all to see. After each card there is a further chance to have a flutter, check or walk away and fold.
When I play I make it good practice to 'throw away' the top cards at every turn: throw one away then turn another. The min theory behind this method is to stop swindling. I will explain; in nearly all cases of marked card deception the top cards are used as marking points, but by throwing away the top card(s) breaks this cycle.
We're not accusing anybody of being a cheater: Burning the top card is just a traditional thing in professional and in many amateur games.
Most of the games I play in have no limit, but hold'em is an interesting game to play with a limit, because after the turn there are plenty of times that you'll have something good to draw at.
If you are new to Hold'em then have a go at playing free poker online where its totally free and you wont lose any of your own cash.
The following play involves an additional 3 community cards being dealt out by the dealer in the middle of the table face up- also known as the "flop". These cards are an essential part of the players "hand" and will be used alongside the original 2 cards in hand. After the flop the next round of betting takes place, although there is now an opportunity to "pass" due to the pot previously commencing.
As with before 2 additional cards ("the turn" and "the river") are then dealt out to the middle of the table with the suit facing upwards for all to see. After each card there is a further chance to have a flutter, check or walk away and fold.
When I play I make it good practice to 'throw away' the top cards at every turn: throw one away then turn another. The min theory behind this method is to stop swindling. I will explain; in nearly all cases of marked card deception the top cards are used as marking points, but by throwing away the top card(s) breaks this cycle.
We're not accusing anybody of being a cheater: Burning the top card is just a traditional thing in professional and in many amateur games.
Most of the games I play in have no limit, but hold'em is an interesting game to play with a limit, because after the turn there are plenty of times that you'll have something good to draw at.
If you are new to Hold'em then have a go at playing free poker online where its totally free and you wont lose any of your own cash.
Thursday 25 February 2010
Free Poker Online Guide to Understanding Styles of Play and How This Will Win More Games
Playing paid or free poker online is a game of skill, chance with a little luck thrown in for good measure.
As we all know, 52 cards make up a deck and whatever 5 cards are dealt out, one of those will always win. It could be the ultimate hand of a Royal Flush or the lowest possible pair of 2's. In some cases, it could even be A high. That is the great unknown of poker, which cards are going to win for any given hand.
When dealt cards you must first decide whether they are suitable to your style of play. Then the decision is whether to fold, call or raise the big blind.
Every individual player has their own style of playing. Some players will only play face cards, whereas others will play any card given to them. That is a style of play. I know of many players who will play nearly every hand pre-flop as long as the bet is within their comfort zone.
Once the flop is seen, it becomes more interesting and a bigger decision needing to be made. If you are holding 3 4 off suit and the flop shows AKJ, what is the likelihood that you will continue with the hand? I would imagine you would fold, unless it is a check through until the turn card is shown.
No poker player is the same, and its important to remember that you can never bee 100% sure how each player will play a hand. There could very well be someone holding 3 4 offsuit and try to bluff and bet big once the flop is shown. I, for one, would never attempt that with such low cards, but I have seen it happen, it's a great mystery of how others play!
For this reason, it is essential that you study each of your opponents where possible before sitting down with them at a table. You should be able to grasp enough information about their game play to figure out their moves when playing them.
As advantageous as this may be, you are not always going to win every time by adapting this approach. As I stated earlier, any given 5 cards will win a hand and they may very well be holding Q 10 and flopped a straight. But the odds are in your favor to predict certain scenarios after learning others' style of play.
Always be observant, never just assume someone is bluffing, and most important, remember to play your game. Your style of play is ultimately what you must rely on to win in poker so be sure to practice and refine in free poker online freerolls before moving up to cash games.
As we all know, 52 cards make up a deck and whatever 5 cards are dealt out, one of those will always win. It could be the ultimate hand of a Royal Flush or the lowest possible pair of 2's. In some cases, it could even be A high. That is the great unknown of poker, which cards are going to win for any given hand.
When dealt cards you must first decide whether they are suitable to your style of play. Then the decision is whether to fold, call or raise the big blind.
Every individual player has their own style of playing. Some players will only play face cards, whereas others will play any card given to them. That is a style of play. I know of many players who will play nearly every hand pre-flop as long as the bet is within their comfort zone.
Once the flop is seen, it becomes more interesting and a bigger decision needing to be made. If you are holding 3 4 off suit and the flop shows AKJ, what is the likelihood that you will continue with the hand? I would imagine you would fold, unless it is a check through until the turn card is shown.
No poker player is the same, and its important to remember that you can never bee 100% sure how each player will play a hand. There could very well be someone holding 3 4 offsuit and try to bluff and bet big once the flop is shown. I, for one, would never attempt that with such low cards, but I have seen it happen, it's a great mystery of how others play!
For this reason, it is essential that you study each of your opponents where possible before sitting down with them at a table. You should be able to grasp enough information about their game play to figure out their moves when playing them.
As advantageous as this may be, you are not always going to win every time by adapting this approach. As I stated earlier, any given 5 cards will win a hand and they may very well be holding Q 10 and flopped a straight. But the odds are in your favor to predict certain scenarios after learning others' style of play.
Always be observant, never just assume someone is bluffing, and most important, remember to play your game. Your style of play is ultimately what you must rely on to win in poker so be sure to practice and refine in free poker online freerolls before moving up to cash games.
Friday 12 February 2010
Free Online Poker - Sandbagging, Slow Play and Trapping
A good technique to turn a solid hand in buy-in and free online poker games into a great one is to "sandbag," or in plain language, not disclosing your power until the "Kenny Rogers Right Time."
When the game starts and other players start betting, hold back and keep your cool. Avoid making any raises of any size.
The key is to keep as many players as possible in the game for as long as possible and then "kill" them with an "all-in" at the critical time.
Sandbagging is also known as 'trapping' or 'slow play', whereas in my opinion you don't need to play too slow, just hide your hand well.
This technique works well when another player has good cards, too. That player will do the betting for you and you will remain "hidden" until you are ready to slam them with an allin.
Many times by doing this you get into a nutz situation as the flop, turn, and river fill up your hand.
I have found its much easier when playing online poker rather than face to face poker as its easier to hide your expression.
In internet paid and free online poker games it is much easier because no one can really "see" you. Sandbagging also gives you the option to make economic bets by not blowing a raise and ultimately losing to someone who hits big on the turn or river.
So, the key to being good at sandbagging when playing free online poker, is to entice as many players as possible into the pot and then jump all-in at the crucial time to take the pot. Good luck in giving it a go and I hope this tip serves you well.
I very much hope my tips on the sandbagging techniques help you in your poker play and look forward to seeing you on the poker tables soon.
When the game starts and other players start betting, hold back and keep your cool. Avoid making any raises of any size.
The key is to keep as many players as possible in the game for as long as possible and then "kill" them with an "all-in" at the critical time.
Sandbagging is also known as 'trapping' or 'slow play', whereas in my opinion you don't need to play too slow, just hide your hand well.
This technique works well when another player has good cards, too. That player will do the betting for you and you will remain "hidden" until you are ready to slam them with an allin.
Many times by doing this you get into a nutz situation as the flop, turn, and river fill up your hand.
I have found its much easier when playing online poker rather than face to face poker as its easier to hide your expression.
In internet paid and free online poker games it is much easier because no one can really "see" you. Sandbagging also gives you the option to make economic bets by not blowing a raise and ultimately losing to someone who hits big on the turn or river.
So, the key to being good at sandbagging when playing free online poker, is to entice as many players as possible into the pot and then jump all-in at the crucial time to take the pot. Good luck in giving it a go and I hope this tip serves you well.
I very much hope my tips on the sandbagging techniques help you in your poker play and look forward to seeing you on the poker tables soon.
Monday 8 February 2010
How to Win at Free Online Poker site NoPayPOKER.com
At free online poker site NoPayPOKER.com you start your poker career with ten of the site dollars (FreeD). Do yourself a favour and don't touch it. Don't put your money on the line when you are first starting off.
NoPayPoker has plenty of ways to try to earn money without any risk. The only thing that this option will cost you is time. Free roll poker tournaments take a while, but once you get a hang of poker they are a great way to get some extra cash. Just beat out everyone in them and you can see the money start rolling in.
Playing in the NoPayPOKER.com leagues are also a great way to get some extra cash. Head for one of the leagues at http://www.nopaypoker.com which play on a Mondays, Fridays and the big $2500 FreeD held on Wednesdays.
Once you sign up for a league, go back to the NoPayPoker software and sign up for game. Your goal is to get the highest position you can. You have to play a minimum of five games and after you have done so you can be eligible for the prize.
Scoring is done by averaging your scores together. Scores are as follow: 100 points for first, 90 for second, 80 for third, and so on.
The free poker tournaments have to be completed right then and there and usually take a while because there is more than one table. Poker leagues take less time at one sitting because there are only ten people. However, the over all time is probably longer because you have to play five games.
Whichever game you pick to play (or even both) they are worth doing as they are free and a great way to earn some extra cash to play with. When you have made a little money, head for the other tables available at NoPayPOKER.com where you can earn money much faster.
If you are sitting here thinking it is more hassle than its worth, trust me, its not. NoPayPOKER is a completely free online poker site. Their money comes from advertising, not from the players so there is no financial risk from playing at all. Best of all, when you have enough FreeD (3000 = $30) then you can withdraw this and spend it on anything you like!
NoPayPoker has plenty of ways to try to earn money without any risk. The only thing that this option will cost you is time. Free roll poker tournaments take a while, but once you get a hang of poker they are a great way to get some extra cash. Just beat out everyone in them and you can see the money start rolling in.
Playing in the NoPayPOKER.com leagues are also a great way to get some extra cash. Head for one of the leagues at http://www.nopaypoker.com which play on a Mondays, Fridays and the big $2500 FreeD held on Wednesdays.
Once you sign up for a league, go back to the NoPayPoker software and sign up for game. Your goal is to get the highest position you can. You have to play a minimum of five games and after you have done so you can be eligible for the prize.
Scoring is done by averaging your scores together. Scores are as follow: 100 points for first, 90 for second, 80 for third, and so on.
The free poker tournaments have to be completed right then and there and usually take a while because there is more than one table. Poker leagues take less time at one sitting because there are only ten people. However, the over all time is probably longer because you have to play five games.
Whichever game you pick to play (or even both) they are worth doing as they are free and a great way to earn some extra cash to play with. When you have made a little money, head for the other tables available at NoPayPOKER.com where you can earn money much faster.
If you are sitting here thinking it is more hassle than its worth, trust me, its not. NoPayPOKER is a completely free online poker site. Their money comes from advertising, not from the players so there is no financial risk from playing at all. Best of all, when you have enough FreeD (3000 = $30) then you can withdraw this and spend it on anything you like!
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