Advanced Texas Holdem strategy
involves dealing with the complexity of the game. Yes, on a
surface level the game is pretty straight forward and
actually quite simple to learn and play. But the following
factors are what makes the difference between amateurs and
the pros.
Pot Odds
In Texas Holdem, your decision to play a hand or fold should
factor in pot odds. Basically pot odds are the cost to stay
in the hand in relation to the size of the pot.
Example:
There are 4 people in the hand and the other 3 have bet and
called $100. There is $300 in the pot and it costs you $100
to remain in the hand. Your pot odds in this case is 3 to 1,
you can win $300 if you put $100 into the pot.
The other factor to consider is the odds of you bettering
your hand if you make the bet.
Example:
The turn card is shown and you have 4 spades, that means
there a 9 spades remaining in the deck of 46 cards (52 –
your 2 hole cards – 4 community cards). So 9 cards help make
you flush and 37 cards don’t.
Your odds of getting the flush are: 37 to 9 or to simplify
4.1 to 1.
Good poker involves calling a particular bet only if the pot
odds are greater than your odds of bettering your hand.
Seat Position
Our basic strategy involves playing only premium / strong
hands. Advanced Texas Holdem strategy is about loosening up
your play by playing a wider range of starting hands. To
decide which hands to play, seat position plays and
important role. In general terms, the closer you are to the
button (last person to act during a hand), the looser
starting hand requirements become.
Table Image
Your table image when playing poker has a direct effect on
your ability to win / lose a given hand. There are several
types of playing styles that define your image; these
include tight, loose, aggressive, passive, maniac, bluffer,
and solid characteristics. Understanding your image at a
table and the image you have of others allows you to make
certain plays that deviate from basic Texas Holdem strategy.
Bluffs & Tells
Your ability to spot bluffs & tells puts you in whole other
class of poker player. With this information, you can then
make plays that specifically counter what the bluff and/or
tell suggested.
Summary
Understanding the intricacies of the above elements will
help you better your game. By implementing them, you’ll be
in the territory of advanced / pro players. We suggest that
you read all the information you can and practice the
concepts in low limit environments.
