Nathan Williams, a respected poker pro and coach. He is the founder of blackrain79.com and a best-seller poker author who has a large following on YouTube. Recently, he shared 7 essential tips to help beginners to dominate live games. From selecting the right hands to isolating weak players and applying aggressive betting strategies, these insights will give you an edge over your competition. Let’s dive into these game-changing strategies to crush live poker games.
7 – Play the Best Hands
A disciplined poker player follows a strategic approach by only playing strong starting hands and avoiding weaker ones. Focus on only premium hands such as strong aces (AK, AQ, AJ, AT), Broadway hands (KQ, KJ, QJ, QT), and all pocket pairs (ranging from AA to 22). Additionally, include suited connectors like 9♥8♥ and 7♠6♠, as well as suited aces such as A♦7♦ and A♣3♣.
If a hand does not fit these categories, make the smart decision to fold and wait for a better opportunity. By following this strategy, you maximize your chances of success at the poker table.
6 – Isolate the Weak Player
If you see a weak player limp into a pot, always raise them up to take control of the pot. For example, in a $1/$2 game, if you have K♥J♠ and someone limps by calling $2, you should raise it to at least $10.
In loose games, consider making it $15 or even $20 to maximize pressure. This strategy forces weaker players into tough spots and prevents them from seeing cheap flops. By consistently isolating limpers, you create profitable situations and increase your overall winnings in live poker.
5 – If they Check, You Bet
A simple but effective poker strategy is to bet whenever your opponent checks. For example, if you have K♥J♠ and the flop comes T♥7♦4♦, and your opponent checks with a $20 pot, you should bet $12. This means your opponent has probably missed the flop, so you should bet.
This move is because most players miss the flop about two-thirds of the time, making it an easy opportunity to take down the pot. By applying consistent aggression when opponents show weakness, you can pick up a lot of small pots and steadily increase your winnings in live poker.
4 – Make them a Believer
A straightforward but impactful poker strategy is to leverage scare cards when your opponent checks. For instance, if you hold K♥J♠ and the board runs out T♥7♠4♦A♣ with a $44 pot. If your opponent has checked, you should bet $33.
The logic behind this tactic lies in the power of the Ace as a scare card, often causing opponents to fold weaker hands. By maintaining consistent pressure in these situations, you can seize numerous pots and gradually build your stack in live poker games.
This tactic also depends on the player you are against. For example, if you are playing against amateurs, they might call in this spot, while many pros will fold seeing your value bet.
3 – Check Raise Premium Hands
If you hit a set out of position, a great move is to check-raise to maximize value. For example, if you have 6♥6♦ and the flop comes K♠6♠3♥, you should check and then raise 4x your opponent’s bet.
This strategy works because it encourages opponents with strong hands like AK to put more money into the pot while you have a huge advantage. By using this play, you can extract maximum value from your monster hands and build bigger pots in live poker games.
2 – Live Players are “Not So Good”
Live poker players often make questionable decisions but can still get lucky. For example, if you have A♥A♦ and the flop comes 5♠7♣2♥, you should bet, and they call. On the turn J♥, you bet again, and they call.
When the river brings the 3♣, they suddenly lead, and you call. To your frustration, they turn over 5♥3♥, showing they chased a weak hand and got there. These situations are unavoidable in live poker, and accepting them with patience is key to long-term success.
1 – Avoid Playing against Better Players
This is a very popular strategy every poker player will give you. In poker, it is crucial to avoid games filled with skilled players, often referred to as “sharks.” Instead, the ideal scenario is to play against weaker opponents who are more prone to making fundamental mistakes.
The key to success is identifying games with weaker competition, as this maximizes profitability over time. If a live game is dominated by experienced professionals, it is best to leave and find a more favorable table.
Keep following PokerProNews for more such game-changing strategies to excel at live poker!
