Five Tips to Winning at No Limit Hold 'em

A couple years ago a friend of mine told me he thought writing a blog was a stupid waste of time, because if someone was writing something worth reading they would be doing it for an actual publication.

No offense taken.

He added if I wrote a succinct piece about poker strategy, like five tips to playing winning poker, that he and other people would actually want to read it. Since I have also had a couple other requests to write more about poker, today I will honor his suggestion.

In recent years no-limit Texas Hold ‘em has significantly increased in popularity. When I first started playing poker in casinos it was often hard to find a no-limit game. Now it is often hard to find any other game in a casino or at a friend’s house. I’ve also found that more and more people are playing poker, both casually, and on a more serious level. So with all of that in mind I bring you:

Five Tips to Winning at No Limit Hold 'em

1. Consider the size of the pot

If you are involved in a hand you should have a rough idea of how much money is in the pot. It is important to consider this when deciding how much to bet, and also when deciding if your hand is worth a call. Usually, it is not wise to bet more than the amount in the pot. Often a bet of 1/2 the pot or 2/3 the pot will provide you the same result as going all-in (for example getting a player with a weak hand to fold or learning if your opponent is trying to trap you with a monster hand). Also, consider the size of your pot if you are drawing. Is the pot big enough to warrant a call? Sometimes an opponent will make such a small play that you will be getting good enough odds to call with a hand as weak as a gutshot. Other times the bet will be so large you should fold your nut flush draw.

2. Learn some basic odds

Respect the fact that poker is largely about math. You don’t need to be a math expert, but do need to be able to quickly make a few mathematical approximations. Here are a couple facts you can use for play on the flop:

A flush draw and an open-ended straight draw are both about 2 to 1 dogs to hit (meaning you will make your draw about 1/3 of the time).

If you multiply your outs by 4 that is the approximate percent of the time you will win the hand.

If you can make a few quick mathematical estimations it will help you make decisions about when to continue and when to fold.

3. Don’t try to be too tricky

I remember years ago after a hand I asked my friend Jeremy, “You have jacks?” After he showed me that my read was correct he concluded that because I was able to put him on the hand that he must have bet it properly. This was a profound realization. Often players are upset that an opponent was able to read them, but it may just mean that the hand was played properly. I’ve seen many beginning players make a bet and then are disappointed when they are not called. Usually, betting a good hand and picking up the pot is a good thing. If a player has a hand that could improve to beat your hand then you want to make him pay to stay in. Don’t overuse deception, and recognize picking up a pot with the best hand is usually the right play.

4. Pay attention to the play of your opponents

Hollywood leads us to believe that playing poker is about picking up on a player’s tell like if they are tapping their foot, or tilting their head to the left, or eating an Oreo in a certain way. However, the best way to get a read on your opponent is to remember what they have done in the past, particularly what they have done at each betting stage in that hand. If you have been at the table for 15 minutes or more you should have some idea of how often an opponent is involved, how aggressive they are, and you should factor in all this information when making important decisions.

5. Be selective, but not too selective

No limit is much different than limit poker. You can get big pay-offs even against only one opponent. Much of your profit in a session will be determined by a few big pots. I’m not advocating playing any two cards, but because of the possible gain you can get value out of playing hands like 55 or A4s. In a no-limit game AK and AQ are often going to win you small pots and occasionally lose you big pots. For example the flop comes A75 one player holds AK and the other 55. With that said playing more hands also means you will have to be able to get away from your hands with certain flops. For example if you play an 89s and the flop comes 953. This is a good flop for your hand, but depending on the action it may also be a good flop to lose a lot of money. With the 89s you’re really hoping for A89, or 67x.

In summary, winning poker is largely about memory and math. Pay attention to your opponents and always consider the numbers when making your decisions. Don’t let the result of one hand upset you. Winning or losing a pot isn’t as important as consistently making profitable plays. Good luck at the tables (unless I’m involved in the hand.)