Don't just play your cards, play your people.
Play them based on that moment in time, their
current mood (which can change by the hand)
and the current situation.
Chapter 2 - Proving whos best
1) It takes patience to teach poker, 2) you
can't prove you're a poker wizard in two
minutes, 3) everything that is now obvious
was once obscure. Think back to 10 seconds
before something was obvious to understand
how a beginner thinks.
Chapter 3 - Gambling with girls
Be sure to play women the same as you would
a man. Don't be afraid of winning and feeling
guilty or losing and being ashamed. Many
times it is the women that outsmart the men.
Chapter 4 - Pride and poker
Don't let pride get in the way of good poker
plays. Don't seek revenge or try to prove
a point. Just play good poker all of the
time.
Part II - A Winning Lifestyle
Chapter 5 - Never play soft
Checkraising is part of poker and without
it you lose a very important strategic tool.
Secondly, you should always play to win.
Even if you are playing your friends, play
as you would to win. Real opponents are
necessary for a good poker game.
Chapter 6 - Thoughts about hustling
Hustling isn't gambling and isn't honorable.
Some people think to be a pro gambler you
need to hustle, but you can also be a pro
gambler and play honorably (within the rules)
and be true to your word.
Chapter 7 - Broke is not fun
When you're down in your bankroll, never
play in a game that makes you uncomfortable.
Play a lower limit and work up your bankroll
back up. Don't play a higher limit expecting
to make it back faster. Most likely you will
lose more of it faster.
Chapter 8 - Honor in gambling
Always be good to your word. You will never
be able to play or gamble with people if
you become known for not being true to your
word. Honor is an absolute must for any pro
gambler.
Chapter 9 - Are you ready to win?
There are 7 key questions to ask yourself
before you play poker. Be sure that you are
ready to win before you play.
1) Have you had enough sleep?
2) Is there something else you would rather
be doing?
3) Are you feeling physically well enough
to sit through a movie?
4) Are you so mad at someone that it's interfering
with your concentration?
5) Are drugs, alcohol or medication interfering
with your logical thinking?
6) Are you emotionally upset?
7) Do you feel you're going to win?
Chapter 10 - World class intimidation
Many players buy books but never read them.
They feel that just owning the book
gives
them the knowledge and they play poorly
with
confidence (as if they read the book).
Also,
always keep in mind what the best possible
hand your opponent can have.
Part III Bad Habits
Chapter 11 Marathon madness
Beware of long sessions and becoming tired
as your freshness will only last
so long,
even if your opponents are already
tired.
They may be more used to playing
tired.
Chapter 12 Human kindness
Beware of playing soft on another player
as they may be the one later who busts you
out. Play hard all the way to the end.
Chapter 13 A sad tale of superstition
Focus on percentages and odds and steer clear
of superstition. The most expensive thing
a player can bring to the table is a rabbit's
foot.
Part IV Advice at the Table
Chapter 14 Calling: the right motive
Be sure to only call when your motives are
right, not because you want to get back at
another player or to not give them the satisfaction
to bluff you. Also, if a player makes a big
issue of displaying their hand that they
bluffed you with, it's pretty certain that
he's not going to bluff you again in the
near future.
Chapter 15 Don't take a bluff personally
Many people take a bluff personally, as if they were robbed. Don't fall
into this trap. It is part of the game. When someone takes a bluff to heart,
they will be more apt to call because they don't want to give you the satisfaction
of bluffing them again.
Chapter 16 Count em while you can
Although Kenny Rogers says not to count your chips at the table, it's probably
a good idea to know where you stand and have a rough idea of how many chips
you have. If you don't exercise proper chip management, you may lose them
and have nothing.
Chapter 17 Power poker
First be sure you have complete knowledge
of the game, then play aggressively
and keep
your opponents on their toes. It
will keep
them on the defense and never know
what you
are going to do.
Chapter 18 Why raise the limits?
People play differently when they are in
limits that they are not accustomed
to. Generally
they play tighter in higher limits
and looser
in lower limits.
1) When an average player is in a limit higher
than feels comfortable, they
will play tighter
than usual. You will make money
by bluffing
this player.
2) When an average player is in a limit lower
than feels comfortable, they
will play looser
than usual. These players will
lose money
killing time in lower limits.
3) When a very loose player is forced to
play higher stakes than he feels
comfortable,
he often becomes a much better
player. Mainly
because he abandons playing hopeless
hands
and starts to play more appropriately.
4) When a very tight player is forced to
play higher stakes than he feels
comfortable,
he becomes even tighter. Bluffs
will work
that much more effectively. By
forcing the
player into a higher limit you
are magnifying
their faults.
5) If the game is very loose it works against
you to raise the limits. You
should keep
the limits low and play conservatively.
6) If the game is very tight it works in
your favor to raise the limits
and play aggressively.
Chapter 19 No feel for no limit
Strategies that work in limit (strict pot odds, etc.) don't often translate
into no limit games or vice versa. When playing no limit (vs. limit) 1)
you need stronger hands to bet, 2) you need stronger hands to call or raise
and 3) bluffing is a much more powerful weapon. Very often players make
the mistake to not alter their game based on what they're playing (limit
or no limit).
Chapter 20 Weird games, real money
Some people like to play different games.
Learning these games will keep you from being
viewed negatively by others. Remember, the
greatest share of your poker knowledge is
adaptable to all games. Learn to be versatile
and you'll earn a lot more money. Also remember
that poker is more than just a game of strategy
and mathematics. It is also a game of public
relations.
Chapter 21 Bluffing: the pride and the
panic
Sometimes people bluff to get credit and attention. They feel it makes
them appear to be a great poker player. Other times people bluff out of
desperation because they feel they it's the only way to win (panic). They
don't give themselves time to think it through and understand if it's really
the right time to bluff. The most common reasons for bluffing are the three
Ps, 1) Pride, 2) Panic and 3) Profit. Profit is the only one worth bluffing
for.
Chapter 22 Working hard to win a call
They say a player who is on the fence about
calling or folding can often be
prodded into
calling. This can sometimes be
used to your
advantage if you want the player
to call.
Part V Advice Away From the Table
Chapter 23 Leave your personal woes at
home
Never play when you are emotionally affected.
One example is a player who was playing very
well until his girlfriend comes to the table
and says she is breaking up with him. He
then continues to play but makes many poor
plays as he is thinking about the break up.
Then when he has lost all his money, his
girlfriend comes back and apologizes. They
make up. But he still lost all that money.
Sometimes it's best to step away from the
table until your emotions are back in check.
Chapter 24 Road games
The best way to learn poker isn't by going
to Vegas and playing in their tough games.
The best way to learn is on the road at the
smaller home games and low limit casino games.
Then when you're ready, play in the more
pro games.
Chapter 25 Being too proud of your bankroll
Always be careful about displaying your bankroll
in public. Gamblers often carry large amounts
of money and if you let others see what you
are carrying, it is possible that you will
be targeted and robbed. it's nobody's business
about how much money you are carrying.
Chapter 26 When speculation makes sense
When you find yourself in a situation where you don't know if you have
the best of it, it's often worth risking a small amount of money to investigate;
particularly if the rewards are many times greater than the initial amount
being invested.
Chapter 27 The library robbery
There are 5 great fears any gambler must
face 1) getting broke, 2) getting
robbed,
3) getting arrested, 4) getting
cheated and
5) not getting paid. Occasionally
people
will prefer to disappear than pay
off their
losses.
Chapter 28 Winning: it's a state of mind
Personal mental exercises to get yourself ready to play good poker can
be very beneficial. However, be sure you don't go so far as to play tricks
on your own mind and allow those thoughts to sabotage your play.
Part VI Strategy and Tactics
Chapter 29 Shifting gears
To be more effective a player must change
gears, playing loose to tight or tight to
loose, and mix their game up to throw off
the other players. Many players change gears
fluidly and not quick enough to really confuse
their competition. it's more effective to
change gears quickly, from first to third
skipping second gear. That will confuse those
players looking for second gear as a tell
that you are changing your play.
Chapter 30 Adapting to the situation
You don't always have to call. The main difference between good players
and poor players is that good players play their cards and poor players
let their cards play them. You control your action. You choose to bet,
call or raise. Don't just call because you have 3 aces if you know you're
beat. Fold the hand and know you did the right thing.
Chapter 31 First grade hold'em
When playing hold'em pay attention to the
fact that you only get 2 cards different
from the other players. When the board creates
a good hand, be sure that it helps your 2
cards exclusively. The board should fit your
hand.
Chapter 32 When you play tight, it's your
secret
You should never expose your hand if you
win the pot before the showdown.
It will
only hurt your ability to bluff
or play tight
in the future. If you show that
you had a
good hand, you should plan to call
more often
in the future.
Chapter 33 Staying in Action
Don't risk everything when you are only a
small favorite to win. When playing opponents
that are weaker players than you, wait until
you are a big favorite to win. Being a small
favorite means that there is still a chance
for luck to take away your bankroll.
Part VII Home Poker
Chapter 34 Rules for home poker
Can a player go all in with what he has,
or does he have to match the full
amount
of a bet? it's usually best to only play with the
money on the table.
Must you burn a card before dealing? Play whatever the rules dictate. In dealer's
choice, the dealer lays down the rules for
the game.
Don't games where players act in turn give
the dealer an advantage? Yes, that is why it's a good idea to play
a complete round before switching to a new
game.
Who settles disputes? It should be decided before the games begin
who should be the arbitrator. Many
times
it can be the host or dealer. Or
it can be
a vote of the inactive players
at the table.
When should a game adjourn? Always decide ahead of time when the game
will end. This will avoid among
losers who
want the game to continue.
Do you need a good excuse to leave a home
game, especially if you are a winner? You should never need an excuse to leave
a game. It should be understood
that if a
player wants to excuse himself
from the game
at any time, he should be allowed
to do so.
In five card draw what is the maximum number
of cards a player can draw, 3 or
4? A player should be allowed to draw up to
five cards.
Is a verbal bet binding if you decide not
to put in your chips? This should be decided before the game,
however most world class players
will honor
a verbal bet and put their chips
in.
Is a host expected to extend credit to the
players he has invited? No, not unless there have been prior arrangements
made.
If a player lends money to another player,
is he obligated to lend money to
other players? No
When cashing out at the end of a session,
who is responsible if chips do
not equal
the amount of cash? The host or whoever assumed the responsibility
of being the banker is responsible.
Balancing
these transactions is his obligation.
Is it legal to have a private home game of
poker? Not in most states. Be sure to keep the
shades closed ;)
Chapter 35 A home poker dilemma
When hosting a poker game there are 3 things
that make a game successful 1) making sure
enough players are going to show up, 2) establishing
the rules and avoid misunderstandings and
3) setting betting limits that are comfortable
for those you've invited. Also remember that
you are not obligated to lend money to players
you've invited.
Chapter 36 Getting more chips than you
bargained for
Be wary of players who bring similar chips
to those you plan to play with. They will
take them out and use them when it's time
to cash out. it's a good idea to have unique
chips (initials, etc.) and make sure that
you get all your chips back at the end of
a session. It also helps to have ethical
friends and only invite people that you trust
Chapter 37 A smooth game and nobody came
Rules should grow out of necessity and nothing
else. Too many rules and the strict
adherence
to rules (folding out of turn,
etc.) can
lead to contention between players
interrupt
the flow of the game. If a player
is constantly
complaining about rules and etiquette
the
other players may not want to play
in future
games. They just want to play,
not worry
about minor etiquette problems.
Chapter 38 Home games need leaders
Although all players should have a say in
the rules and flow of a session, it's important
that there be a leader to ensure the entire
session is not wasted defining how to play.
The leader needs to make sure that rules
are defined and get the game going quickly.
Chapter 39 Unfriendly stakes
Decide in advance if the poker you play will
be friendly or serious. Make sure
the stakes
and adherence to the rules fit
the type of
game.
Chapter 40 Sticking with the rules
Remember that most home games are called
friendly poker. Don't lose sight of the
friendly part. Three things you should always
bring to a poker game is 1) your brains,
2) your bankroll and 3) some good manners.
Part VIII More Winning Wisdom
Chapter 41 Letting the dog die
A player doesn't need an excuse to leave
a game, but it's rude when a player constantly
quits while he's ahead. One time a player
who was winning had his wife interrupt the
game saying that the dog was sick and needed
to go to the vet, although the dog was fine.
He said he would play one last hand before
they went and he ended up losing most of
his profit during that hand. His wife, oblivious
to what happened, pushed him that they needed
to leave and he yelled back leave me alone
and just let the dog die! Also, when playing
deuce to seven (Kansas City Lowball) 2 card
draws should include both a 7 and a 2 (i.e.
752xx not 753xx).
Chapter 42 Thanks for the pleasure players
There is nothing wrong with recreational
players. Everyone plays poker for
different
reasons and recreational players
have every
right to play how they want to.
Never ridicule
a player for making a bad play
or doing something
that you think is obviously wrong.
Most of
the time these players have other
occupations
that they are very good at. A doctor
would
never yell at you for thinking
a chest pain
was a heart attack, even if it
was obvious
to him that it was just indigestion.
Chapter 43 Quitting while you're ahead
When you have the best of it, you should
keep playing. If you feel like you need to
take a break, take a break. Sometimes quitting
while you're ahead will only hurt your bankroll,
since you are winning, you would have most
likely kept winning.
Chapter 44 There's no limit like no limit
No limit is a type of poker, not a size of
the game. A rational player compares the
size of the blinds and/or ante to his bankroll
before deciding to play. The swings may be
bigger, but it doesn't mean that you will
lose more money in the end. it's simply a
different type of poker.
Chapter 45 The ploy's the play
Once someone displayed the title of a book
they were reading just after placing a big
bet. The title was How to Bluff Constantly
and Win. This caused the other player to
call and lose to a powerful hand and the
rest of the night this player had the other
players baffled as to if he was bluffing
or not. When the player left the game he
put the book on the table and someone opened
the book and all the pages were blank except
for one word, Don't. A bluff should only
be used when the feeling is right. Not more
often than is comfortable.
Chapter 46 Fun with even-money bets
Always beware of someone giving you what
appears to be an even break. Something
unexpected
may be lurking just out of sight.
Chapter 47 Should everyone gamble?
There are some people that can gamble and
others that shouldn't but do. A
person who
allows their emotions to affect
their play
or cannot handle the ups and downs
associated
to gambling shouldn't participate.
