1) Risk vs. Reward:
Poker is a game of chance, there is simply no way around that. It is impossible to know what card is going to come next. What is known though is probabilities, and you should know your numbers inside and out. No successful business would ever make a major decision without knowing the numbers inside and out, whether is be a merger, launching a new product or even deciding to close up shop! Know your numbers and know them well.

2) Record Everything:
If you charge a meal to your work credit card, they probably expect you to put in an expense report. This is because documentation is king. There is nothing worse in business than being unsure where your money is moving to and from. Poker is no different. Record everything. What table you were at, what room, what stakes, buy in, cash out, time played, etc. This information is the key information that you should be using to analyze what sort of returns you’re getting on your time and money.

3) Cash Flow:
Cash flow is king in business and in many other aspects of life. I can’t even recall the number of times I’ve heard players say that they just sunk a big chunk of their available cash into an online room. Even if you’re good enough to be playing at the stakes you are, putting money into online poker should never hinder your day to day cash flow. Remember, if you go to a grocery store, you can’t pay for your milk with money in your account. Always make sure that you have enough cash flow to cover day to day expenses and only deposit cash that won’t affect this.

Every online poker site provides some sort of note taking system, this is step one. When at a table, everytime you notice something that you feel could be of value, jot it down in the note section for that particular player. However, this is a fairly common tactic, and it isn’t where most players miss the boat. Where most online players are losing out is failing to keep an external list of notes, particularly of player names, for them to cross reference for game selection.

When you sit down and turn on your favourite online client, you’re presented with hundreds, maybe thousands of options for which game to choose to sit in. Far too often players just go to their favourite game and stakes, and sit down seemingly at random, or perhaps at a table with conditions they like, such as last seat open or large pots. This is very short sighted though and game selection is where note taking really comes into play.

When you’re at a table and you notice JoeMama2009 is consistantly making poor plays, along with the note box for JoeMama2009 provided by the poker room, you should be writing his screenname down on a ‘Fish List’ that you keep either as a hard copy or in a text file on your computer. Do this with every player you deem to be fishy enough to profit from regularly. Once you have such a hard copy, the first thing you do when you go to choose a game is click each game you’re interested in and look at the players sitting. Cross refernce those players to the players on your list and look for the fishiest table. If you’re lucky you might find a table with four or five of the names of your list sitting together.

This method might take a little more time than just clicking the first available seat and going, but remember, sharks don’t eat other sharks, and even when it comes to prey, smart sharks don’t attack the able and healthy. Sharks attack the sick and weak, and that’s what you should be doing too. If you aren’t actively looking for the weakest table everytime you sit down to play, you’re costing yourself money.

What Style Is Right For Me?

There are three common styles of poker table available to prospective owners, each with its own advantages. These styles are octagonal, round, and oval “hold ‘em” tables.

Octagonal and round tables are smaller symmetrical designs. Octagonal generally hold 8 players and round tables generally hold between 6 and 8 players. Octagonal and round tables are good options for people who have space constraints or smaller games, as the tables take up less space.

Oval hold ‘em tables are larger than octagons or round tables, usually 7 to 8 feet in length and 4 feet in width. They are better for larger games as an 8 foot table can seat up to 10 people comfortably and more can be squeezed in if necessary. Also, oval tables add a feeling of professionalism for many players, as they are the table type used in the major tournaments that have become so popular on television.

Features And Construction

When buying your table you will be confronted by many different construction options and features. Always inquire what materials are used in construction if details aren’t made readily available. Any reputable builder selling a quality product will be glad to tell you what their tables are made of. Here is a list of the most common materials and their advantages:

Woods: Most tables make heavy use of plywood as their main construction material. This is because plywood is affordable, readily available, and comes in sheets perfectly sized for poker tables. The second most common is MDF (medium-density-fiberboard). The biggest advantage to MDF is that it is perfectly flat. However, it tends to hold screws poorly, so if you’re buying an MDF table, make sure the builder used compatible fasteners. Some builders use hardwoods on their tables. This is not as commonly used as the ply or MDF, except on some octagonal tables, and it is a higher-end, more expensive option.

Foams: Poker tables have two places that make critical use of foams - the padded rail, and under the playing surface. The foam for the padded rail should be high-density foam, usually 1” thick but sometimes thicker. Rail foam should always have 100% recovery, which means no matter how many times you compress it, it will always spring back to its original shape. The foam underneath the playing surface should also be high density foam, and is normally also what is known as closed-cell foam. Closed-cell foam is moisture resistant, and any spills on your playing area will not soak in.

Playing Surface: The fabric used for the table’s playing surface is a matter of preference; the standard types are velveteen, billiard cloth, or a fabric known as “suited speed cloth”, which has embroidered card suits, giving a nice poker look. Velveteen is the most affordable option and offers a nice, playable material at a good price. Suited speed cloth is becoming very popular; it costs more than velveteen but has a more professional look and feel. Billiard cloth is normally the most expensive option and is of extremely high quality and durability. All three are good options, which one you choose is a matter of preference and budget.

Additional options and features: There are many options available to the poker table buyer, each with its own function. The most common option is a “racetrack,” a wooden ring that runs around the table between the padded rail and playing area. A racetrack adds both aesthetics and functionally, giving players a place to stack their chips and place their cards. The next most common option is the style of legs. Folding legs are a good option for those who will have to store their tables. For permanent tables, a set of wooden pedestal legs can be a nice option, although sometimes a pricey one. Other options include cup holders, dealer trays, money drop boxes, lighting and more.

Where To Buy And How Much?

For most players, the best option to obtain a high quality table for their home is to go to a local builder. Local builders are normally small volume table builders who build on an order-by-order basis. The biggest benefits to using a small local builder is that your table will usually be extremely customizable, and you’ll normally save a lot of money by not having to pay shipping charges, as you would buying a table from an online retailer. Small builders will also, in most cases, provide the best value for your money compared to large online retailers. Like most stores, large online retailers usually buy their merchandise from someone else and mark it up. A small builder is a one-step process, meaning you tend to get a higher quality table for the money. Some people choose to buy tables on ebay, however this is not normally the best option, as the high shipping charges normally offset any deal you might get on the price.

The price you’ll pay for a poker table varies from builder to builder, and varies depending on the table you choose. A basic table with velveteen, minimal features and folding legs will cost you less than a racetrack table with billiard cloth and solid wood pedestal legs. Tables generally run from as low as $300-400 Canadian for a basic table, to as high as over $1500 for higher-end tables. To find a local builder in your area, check the internet. Specifically, www.scottkeen.com/forum is home to some of the finest custom table builders out there. The site also has some excellent information for those who want to build a table themselves.

Regardless of what features you decide on, who builds your table or how much it costs, the addition of a quality poker table to your home game will undoubtedly bring a new energy and professional feeling to everyone involved.

Using Your Poker Table Image to Your Advantage

The key to poker table image is to make your opponents see what you want to see. The slogan you must keep in mind is, “Confusion to thy enemies.�?

If your temperament is to play as a loose player, make them think that is how you play all the time. When you get a premium hand, play it as if you have a weak hand – which will confuse the other players when the hand is played out.

If you are a tight player, turn your plays to your benefit. Allow the others to think you have picked up a good hand by betting pre-flop. If you win the blinds, act pleased and if you are called, don’t be dejected. A follow-up bet on the flop will make it difficult for a good player to call. If the flop turns out big (i.e., ace, king, knave), your opponents will most probably assume that you have a hit and fold. If the flop comes out low and your weak hand hits, it may turn out even better as they will think you have an even larger hand.

Aggressive Playing As An Advantage

Being aggressive has its own worth, and aggressive players must use this to their advantage. Aggressive players often anger their opponents. This can be frustrating (to them) and makes them play stubborn: instead of folding their weak hands, they may just be annoyed enough that they will call rather than fold.

Play your hand aggressively and take them up on the challenge: call, call and call again.

Mucks and Nuts

Most online poker rooms provide players with the option to show or muck – use this to your advantage.

If you have the winning hand, muck it. If you’ve got a nut hand, make them pay if they want to see it. Simply showing the winning hand gives free information to the other players. It will give them the confidence of knowing they made the correct play and they will play accordingly. Keeping one’s hand to oneself confuses your opponents and makes them doubt their own game.

The Art of the Bluff

Show the bluff every once in a while. There is nothing more upsetting to a player than knowing that they folded with a winning hand. This will demoralize them – they will question every play they make, especially when they are playing against you. The next time they encounter you, they will think you are trying to bluff them again and when you show them the nuts, it will only annoy and confuse them more.

Playing In a Live Game

The ability to show only one card in a live game can be used to your benefit. Showing a low card (such as a deuce) and mucking your other card can often confuse the other players. Keep in mind, however, that experienced players can quickly catch on to you and counter your moves; as such, it may be best to go back to mucking your cards.

Poker as a Mind Game

The most important lesson to remember is that poker is a mind game – and your poker table image is an important tool in the arsenal. Reading this article should give you an idea about how to maintain and manipulate your poker table image to your advantage.

The Quality Poker Chip:

One such example of a quality poker chip is the 13.5g poker chip.  They may come in suited or double suited designs on the edges of the chip, with a blank center for players to stamp or add the allotted amounts on.  The chip is usually made of durable materials such as clay, sand and chalk with a metal insert through it and goes through a time consuming and expensive process which is said to be a trade secret by the manufacturers.  They may be bought in any novelty stores, casinos, gaming stores and even on the web.  Prices range from a whopping $150.00 to about $50.00 for these superior chips.  But don’t fret for your money will be well worth the investment. 

What differentiates 13.5g poker chips from the usual 11.5g chips that some casino uses is the feel and weight of the chips when a player handles them.  Because of the materials used to make these 13.5g poker chips, the metallic sound made when slashing the chips into a pot are virtually gone and replaced with a more satisfying clinking, “casino chip-like�? sound to it.  The metal insert adds to the durability and the strength of the chip, too protecting it from wear and making it last longer than ordinary chips.  They are predictably heavier than the 11.5g but are more sturdy and tough than their counterparts.  This means they can withstand constant handling and throwing on the pot.  They can also withstand spilt beer, ashes from the tobaccos, spilt food and even falling to the floor.  Surely, the worrying of having to change your poker chips every now and then because of constant usage will be a thing of the past. 

Another attraction to a 13.5g chip is that they stack and shuffle nicely.  Shuffling them produces a soft clanking sound that definitely makes your friends take notice that they hold a quality chip in their hands.  Because of the designs around the edges, stacking these chips means that you get a pretty nifty design on the column as well.  Some designs also represent all the four suits of a whole deck, making it nicer and more at par with your cards. 

One downside of the 13.5g poker chips however is that some models have a rough texture to them that may account for easy scratching on the surface.  Scratching can only happen if a sharp object comes into contact with them, though so if this event is far from happening to your chips, you have no cause to worry. 

To sum it all up, having quality 13.5g poker chips as part of your poker set will not only make you feel better, it will also make your friends enjoy the game more. 

Developing an effective poker betting strategy is one way of getting the most out of the game. Here are some situations that can help you develop a winning poker betting strategy:

Blind Stealing happens when you are in the dealer’s position and the only players remaining are the blinds and you. Calling at this point allows the blinds to check; a raise from your position may push the blinds to fold and lets you buy the blinds. Failing to raise here will be a missed opportunity that you may regret.

A Steal Raise is betting to limit the number of players or to take the pot when you are the last player to act and the other players have checked. The strategy is best used when you are holding a strong drawing hand (i.e., a flush). A word of caution, however. Never use this move too often, as other players will recognize it and begin to check raise your hand.

Check Raise, or checking (allowing the other’s to bet first) and then raising is one way of getting an idea of what your opponents have. It also increases the size of the pot.

Pre-Flop Strategies

‘Review the situation’ before the flop: think about your hole cards, the number of players (also categorize them into either aggressive or passive players), your position at the table, the size of your bankroll, and how much you are willing to risk.

When playing Texas Hold’em, the best approach is tight and aggressive play: betting only –and often - on high-ranking cards.

Keep in mind: the more players in a hand, the higher the possibility that one of them is holding on to a strong hand. In the same way, the larger the game, the higher the risk that someone’s pre-flop hand will fit the flop, so exercise caution in betting.

The reverse, however, often holds true: the fewer the players, the less likely that another player will be dealt a strong hand, or one that will fit the flop.

In terms of your position at the table, remember that players in earlier positions have the capability to influence the size of the pot, compared to those in later positions.

If you have only a few dollars left, extreme caution is called for. Use a tighter strategy than you normally do. If you have more money, however, relax a bit and play more often but still exercise caution.

Play a much tighter game if you see an opponent that raises every pre-flop – chances are that the player will win the big blinds, but an opportunity will come where you can hurt him with a winning hand.

Raise pre-flop if you want to target large pots and don’t mind losing a few hands, especially if you are in a late position. If you want to be selective at pre-flop, wait patiently for a winning hand.

First off, when you are planning to stage a poker game in your home, you have to have a decent poker set. A deck of cards and some quality poker chips should set you off nicely. A decent deck of cards mean that you have to possess those that still have a nice, new feel to them like the plastic-coated ones and not those which are already frayed on the sides from constant usage. Try to steer clear from using potato chips and peanuts as chips too! Although using them might be more casual and fun, it is preferable that you have quality poker chips that distinguish your poker game from the usual run-in-the-mill types. I recommend that you purchase 13.5g poker chips. Although a bit heavier than the rest, these poker chips are durable and strong and can cope with constant handling. They also have a nice “casino-chip-like�? thud to them when slashed together in the pot. Your guests would surely be impressed by your exciting chips! A nice poker table is also fun to have. Poker tables, especially those felt-lined ones add a certain casino-like and add to the excitement of any poker game at home.

When organizing a poker game, you should also consider the food you will be serving your guests. You can opt to serve dinner but remember to serve it well before the game. This way, your guests can enjoy the meal and the game one at a time. It is usually best if you prepare finger foods during the game than those that require forks and knives to eat. As much as possible, try to serve food that is less greasy and can be picked up by one hand only instead of two. This way, your guests can eat even when they’re playing and eating will definitely not delay the game. This eliminates the need of the players to set down their cards first when they eat, too and less grease on their hands mean less grease on your cards, right? Try to vary the food as much as possible.

For the beverages, it is always preferable to serve beer, right? But make sure that you have a decent selection of non alcoholic drinks as well. Some players prefer to remain sober when playing poker to eliminate chances of losing. Too much drinking can also delay the game since this usually leads to a considerable time in the bathroom. But then whether we admit it or not, playing poker is infinitely more fun when alcoholic beverages are around, so don’t be afraid to stack up on those, especially if you are among close friends you know very well.

Planning is the key to a good poker game at home. You really have to plan well ahead of time to make sure that your game will go off without a hitch.

Beverages: you should make sure you have a good selection of non alcoholic drinks as well as plenty of beer for your game. Drinking too much can also make your game less enjoyable for you and the other players, no one like to have to constantly be waiting for someone who is going to the bathroom all the time or getting up to grab another cold beer.

Another disadvantage to drinking too much is that your judgment becomes impaired and to win at poker you need to have your head focused. Poker is just as much about reading your players and noticing the smallest change in a person’s attitude during the game and if you drink too much you may start to miss things.

Game Related Items: A poker table is not needed to play poker and other then making you feel like you are in a poker tournament in a casino or give you a breakdown of what goes where, it does not really serve a needed function at a poker game. So if you do not have one and can not afford it do not let that stop you from throwing a game.

When it comes to the cards you play with most players just prefer a standard plastic coated playing card to anything else, and I recommend having more then 1 deck just in case a card gets bend, torn or someone gets food or grease on them.

If you are going to be playing with the same players all the time you may want to chip in together and purchase a nice set of chips, the professional weight clay chips. They are not needed for the game but I just prefer the way they feel in my hand when I am playing.

Players: If you are starting up a new game I recommend picking people who are all close t the same level of skills, no one wants to be the fish every week, and it is also so fun when one of your friends wins every week, unless it is you.

If you follow the advice in this article you will not only find you will start playing better but you and your friends will have a better time playing poker.

When United States dispatched the American Expeditionary force to Great Britain during World War I, poker instantaneously gained popularity among the British and was even hailed as United States’ National Card Game during those times. Indeed, poker grew to so much status that casinos offering it now abound the whole world and a tournament dedicated entirely to the game called the World Series of Poker is now shown in ESPN. Poker’s fame did not stop there, however. Nowadays, with the advent of the internet, various online poker websites can be found in the web.

The Evolution of Poker:

Poker has gone through a series of evolution since its creation. From the simple “as-nas�? of the Persians wherein a special 25-card deck with 5 suits are used, it now has evolved to include the full 52 cards with 4 suits of an English deck. It is played by two or more players and each would place a bet that his hand is better than those of his opponents. The other players can either fold and drop out of the game or can equal or raise the bet depending on their hands. Betting and bluffing was added into the game during the 1700’s. The cards are manipulated to form certain combinations like the straight flush or the royal flush, the four of a kind, the full house, the flush, the straight, the three of a kind, two pairs and one pair to win the game. The winner of the game is the one who holds the best hand or the last to fold from the game. The winner also gets the pot or the combination of all the bets given during the game.

Poker has also developed into several variations, some of which are the draw poker, stud poker and the community poker such as the Texas Hold’Em.

Why is Poker So Popular?

Poker is a skill-based game which requires intense focus on your hand, an impressive ability to bluff and a skillful reading of the opponents. Concentration and focusing on your cards require that you have enough knowledge on the workings of poker. This condition develops a man’s ability to think and be on guard at all times. The ability to bluff requires that a man should develop the strength of becoming impassive and manipulative in a positive way. Becoming a skillful reader of your opponents require you to be a good judge of character and have the ability to comprehend the nuances of the other players. All of these abilities even when applied outside the game make a man appreciate his environment more and make him matured in dealing with challenges more. This is perhaps the reason why poker has become so popular. But then, who can forget the pot? The pot is another reason why poker has indeed risen to become the most-loved card game of all time.

Depending on the rules, one or more players are required to ‘ante up’ or place an initial bet in a central ‘pot,’ after which the cards are dealt to the players and the game begins.

Many people make the mistake of thinking that ‘luck’ is all it takes to win a poker game. In fact, poker is a game of strategy where a cool head and a clear mind can turn a weak combination into a winning one. Here are some tips for playing a winning hand:

Study your opponents.
Develop a method of playing or a strategy which will help you understand your opponents’ methods. Use this to identify who plays fair or who is the more calculating player. Knowing your opponents makes it easier to plan your own moves – and keep you from losing the game.

Keep A Poker Face.
A ‘poker face’ means that you never show a clue as to what cards you hold in your hand. Keep your opponents guessing; make every effort to keep them cautious. If you have a weak hand, try to project a show of strength – keep them wondering about what you have in your hands.

Bluffing is a tactic – Use it wisely.
Keep in mind that bluffing will not work if you keep projecting your intentions. At the same time, never bluff consistently or regularly – expert players will, sooner or later, recognize a pattern in your playing and use this knowledge against you.

How Strong Are Your Cards?
Remember that the best combination of cards wins. If the hand you’re dealt with is less than a pair, fold at the earliest possible time. Don’t wait in the hope that you will be dealt with ‘better cards’ because chances are that this will not happen.

Learn from the song.
“You’ve got to know when to hold on… when to fold up…�? One of the most difficult aspects of the game is knowing when to keep playing, or when to ‘quit while you’re ahead.’ As you play the game, you learn how to ‘feel the game’ – you know how much or how little to bet, you get a sense of when it is best to stay in the game or pull out.

One rule of thumb: never assume that later cards will improve your situation, especially if you have nothing to play with. Folding one’s hand is not a disgrace – do so as often as you feel it is necessary.

Exercise Control, Especially When Betting.
Very few people actually win fortunes when playing poker, so bet with your head, not with your guts. Keep within your limits and don’t lose your shirt.

Don’t Drink and Play.
Alcohol can lower your inhibitions and make you lose control. You may become more daring and brash, betting more on not-so-good card combinations, and missing opportunities to turn weak hands into winning ones. Avoid drinking especially if it is a high-stakes game.

And finally: learn the game. Spend time to develop your own style, as well as how to put together a strategy for playing the game. ‘Practice makes perfect’ – and the more you play, the more experience you gain, all of which will help you in developing your own secrets to winning at poker.

Don’t lose heart. You may not be able to coolly lose a million (really, who aside from the world’s wealthiest individuals can?) but you can certainly play as coolly as the Casino Royale characters. All you need is the proper poker training and you’ll be tossing your dollar bets with a great deal of devil-may-care attitude in no time at all. Formal poker training will not only teach you poker how-tos but help you acquire poker discipline as well. Here are some ways by which you can acquire the professional poker veneer.

Experience is the best teacher

This may sound clichéd but experience has indeed always been the best teacher. Learn the game by playing with other players at a live casino poker table. Begin playing with novices like you and you’ll learn so much without losing much.

If you want to learn quicker and money is not an issue, try the higher-stakes tables. This will give you the privilege of socializing with the so-called poker experts and help you imbibe expert techniques.

Playing to learn poker gives you training unlike any other. Learning from the players who know the game is the best strategy of acquiring the right poker-playing skills.

Learn them for free

In Las Vegas, casinos offer free training during off peak seasons and times, say in the morning. Avail of the promotional offers. Don’t be shy to ask favors from casino operators; after all, you are a future customer. Professional opinions and training come free with these lessons.

Poker camps for the big guys

Yes, camps are not just for boy scouts. There exist some poker camps for serious poker novices. However, the price may be more than you can actually afford. Like the boy scout camps, poker camps are whole pre-packaged programs that contains poker seminars, poker tournaments and poker workshops. Such camps would allow you to meet some of the best poker pros in the world.

Get some private lessons

Hire a professional poker player to teach you the game. This would not only give you an exciting poker experience, but a professional poker player can give you pointers on pro-level poker etiquette and winning poker strategies. Where do we find these experts? Simply ask your local casino and they’d certainly be able to refer one or two.

Private poker home games

You can also learn from the simple home games that you and your buddies arrange. You can buy some beer, some pizza, and get the game going. However, such a friendly and low-stakes game can lead to misconceptions. Some poker playing strategies applicable at home games are not quite applicable in casino games.

Follow these steps and you you’re on your way to beating the best in the field. Poker is a very challenging game that can give you immeasurable thrills. Furthermore, if you are truly good at it, you can even earn a living off it. So what are you waiting for? Get some poker training now!