How can a game with such simple rules seem so complex?  It’s safe to assume if you’re reading this you already understand the basic rules of poker.  These tips will help improve your strategy and teach you to win.

A weaker hand becomes stronger, depending on what position you are in.

The most important aspect of the game is not truly in what cards you have, but what position you are in.  The “button” is the dealer, and betting always starts just past this player.  The more information you have before you have to make your decision, the stronger your bet will seem. 

Because of this simple fact, a hand such as Queen/Jack suited will be somewhat weak from the blinds, but a very playable hand from the button, or just before the button. 

You should always take into consideration the position you’re playing from before deciding whether your hand is worth holding onto.

If you are willing to call, you should be willing to bet.

Playing a hand with the sole intention of “seeing more cards” is a simple way to help the player who is going to beat you build his pot with your chips.  If you’re going to play into a hand you should always have the sole intention of winning.  Calling is rarely an acceptable move, and almost never the smart move. 

If you start each hand with a bet, you instantly force each player to consider their position, their hand, and whether or not it’s worth playing against you.  This helps prevent the infamous “bad beats” that every player has had to deal with one time or another.

Image by chrisstreeter via Flickr

Going all in should only be considered a last ditch effort in desperate situations.

Unless there is no possibility that another player has you beat, which is impossible to know before the last card has been dealt, going all-in should not happen.

This move simply allows the other players an opportunity to put you out of the game altogether.  You can make a large bet without risking your stake in the game altogether.  Newer players all-too-often play this risky move to show strength that simply is not there to begin with. 

If you have become the “short-stack” at the table, it can be a simple move to double-up and get yourself back into the game.  If you’re down to two players, it can become necessary.  But in a proper game of holdem it’s simply too risky to play your entire stack in any but the best opportunities.

If you’re already playing the game, try exercising these strategies consistently throughout and you will be sure to notice a strong upswing in your winnings.  If you’re not playing yet, don’t even bother trying without following these three simple rules.

More advanced strategy to come.