Poker Tips

Practice saying the words "raise" and "call". Be sure to use the same tempo and tone every time you say it. Practice makes permanent, so you should be able to carry that same even voice to the next table game.

After the cards are dealt, don't look at your hole cards until it's your turn to act. Spend that time instead watching the other players look at their own cards and picking up any tells that you can use in not just that hand, but all the rest. Even if you wind up folding, you can still pick up information about how your opponents play without the added distraction of thinking about your own cards.

Often good players will "defend" their blinds, especially if they're playing against an aggressive opponent who plays a lot of hands and bets heavily. Defending your blind means that sometimes you'll call a raise while you're in the big blind in order to slow down that opponent's aggression and show that you won't be scared away from your already-committed money. We don't suggest doing this often, because playing a weak hand out of position is very difficult. However, you might want to consider the option, especially if you're up against an opponent whose main strategy is bullying everyone out of the pot.

If you've ever spent any time in a casino, you know that getting a hold of a waitress is nigh impossible. That's why it's a good idea to come prepared and supplied for your next casino-based tournament. Weariness and fatigue, which are unavoidable, can quickly cramp your game, and the best defense is to renew your body's energy stores throughout the day. Don't go so far as packing an ice chest, but bring a small bag with a couple bottles of water and a handful of granola or energy bars. Most tournaments will have concessions, but leaving the table means you're missing hands, and the breaks are few and far between. Make sure you visit the complimentary concession bar during those breaks and snag a few refreshments to carry back with you. Often the casino will have free gifts for entrants which are sometimes packed with trail mix, peanuts, and mints. Eating at the table isn't out of line, but try to be somewhat discreet.

When playing online, download an odds calculator. This will help to curtail your gambling instincts and increase your understanding of when seemingly powerful cards are much weaker than you realize. The programs themselves range widely in usefulness and price (from free to ad-supported to free-trials to $40 for the full program). Many will automatically plug in to the gaming software and auto-read your hole cards and the board. Just do a google search for "poker odds calculator" and surf around for a good choice. Or check our reviews section for helpful suggestions and reviews of the better, and worse, odds calculators.