Poker is a complex game – easy to learn but hard to master. Over time, many have sought to simplify poker strategy by creating broad generalizations about the game. These adages, passed from teacher to student and through generations, form the basis of what I call “conventional poker wisdom.”
While many of these guidelines are sound practices, a closer look reveals that some deserve exceptions—and others should be discarded entirely.
Here are some examples of conventional poker wisdom. As you read them, consider whether you agree:
- Never play poker with scared money.
- Don’t draw to an inside straight.
- Never play poker with strangers.
- Don’t drink alcohol when you play poker.
- Don’t play poker when tired.
- Play loose in a tight game and tight in a loose game.
In this article, I’ll explore the first three pieces of advice and discuss why they might not always hold true.
Never Play Poker With Scared Money
At first glance, this rule makes sense. Playing with money you can’t afford to lose can make you anxious or https://arzimasks.com/ https://best-restaurants-in-marrakech.com/ https://capitalator.com/ https://cyclehousefamily.com/ https://dowdingshop.com/ overly cautious, which hurts your performance. Skilled opponents will detect this timidity and exploit it, forcing you to fold profitable hands due to fear of higher stakes.
However, there are situations where playing slightly above your bankroll can be beneficial:
Taking a Calculated Risk
You don’t need to commit to higher stakes permanently. Occasionally taking a stab at a bigger game can be the right move, especially if:
- Your regular game is tough, filled with skilled players.
- A higher-stakes game appears soft, with loose and passive opponents.
An Example
Imagine your usual game is $10/20 limit hold’em, but it’s filled with rocks and pros. Meanwhile, the $20/40 game nearby has wealthy, inexperienced players. Even if your bankroll isn’t built for $20/40 variance, sitting down with a tighter strategy might yield significant profit. If luck doesn’t favor you early, you can limit losses and return to your usual stakes.
Occasionally stepping up can also bolster your confidence and improve your image at lower stakes. Other players may respect you more, thinking, “That’s the player who sat in the big game.”
Don’t Draw to an Inside Straight
This rule comes from the era of five-card draw poker, where chasing an inside straight (e.g., 6-7-9-T) was statistically unwise. The odds of completing the draw—12:1 against—rarely justified the pot odds available in those games.
Modern Context
In today’s games, particularly hold’em, pot odds can justify chasing inside straights. For example, in a loose hold’em game, the pot by the turn may already contain 15 or more large bets. If you’re confident hitting your draw will give you the best hand, the potential reward may outweigh the risk. Additionally, implied odds—future bets you’ll win if your draw hits—further enhance the profitability of these plays.
In some scenarios, raising with an inside straight draw can even be strategically sound, adding fold equity to your arsenal.
Revised Wisdom
Replace the old rule with this:
Always consider pot odds and implied odds before calling a bet on a draw.
Never Play Poker With Strangers
This advice likely stems from fears of cheats and hustlers. In the past, unknown players were often viewed with suspicion, as they might collude or use sleight-of-hand tricks.
Modern Realities
Today, games in licensed casinos and regulated online platforms are far less prone to cheating. You’re no more likely to be deceived by a stranger than by someone you know. Instead of avoiding strangers, focus on protecting yourself by:
- Watching for suspicious behavior.
- Leaving a game if you suspect foul play.
Better Advice
Be cautious of cheats, regardless of familiarity, and learn how to identify and respond to suspicious activity.