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.
Sunday, 28 March 2010
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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