If you are very seriously think of poker, you probably already know that the most important thing is to make the most optimal solution. In no-limit games, one wrong move can cost you your stack and you can fly out of the tournament. Thus, when you find yourself in a difficult situation, it is important to take time for reflection. This advice seems obvious, but often players make hasty decisions, because at the crucial moment they were distracted. Sure, poker – an emotional game, but we can not let emotions get the better of reason. Should be guided by logic, and sometimes it may take time.
Once in a difficult position, the first thing you should do – is take a deep breath. Calm down and remember how the lottery distribution. Then reset the memory all that you know of a rival. Loser he or tight player? Maybe he was lured into a trap, or you just go right through to his goal? And you must answer the most, in my opinion, the important question: “What you know about the enemy?” This will help you make the right decision. Consideration of the situation from all sides – that you know of a rival, as he plays a hand – can help you figure out what cards are in his hands. Mentally evaluate all these aspects. Count how many chips needed to make a call, how many chips in the pot, consider the strength of your hand and make a decision – raise or go all-in. Each of these nuances must be evaluated and weighed before making a final decision.
If you are addicted to this process, it is necessary from time to time, to look at an opponent. I know many players who absolutely go in themselves when considering their next steps. Thus, they often miss some signals from the enemy. The longer you play for time, the more likely that gestures themselves opponent will be given to you important information. He calms down and becomes more intense? Or is he just pretending? Did he suddenly quiet conversation, or vice versa? Look at the opponent and try to determine its purpose. Maybe he wants you to call a bet? And maybe, wants you to fold? Probably, it provokes you to raise? Only after all these aspects into account, we must decide and act. All this will make the right choice.
Among other things, a pause for reflection can give you and less obvious benefits. When you meditate, you knock the opponent with his rhythm playing. Do you believe in what the player can start impulsively or not, during the game, you can often see who gives in to emotions. When opponents often raise and wins the pot without a fight, one after another, it is important to slow down some of their activity. This is done by taking the time to think, to make them sweat.
Whenever time thinking stretches the opponent uncomfortable. If someone is bluffing big, and you get this man to sit idle, until you ponder what to do next, this could cause him serious psychological discomfort. In fact, if you do not want against you bluff every time when the enemy is taking some serious action – take the time to think. Let it then in an uncomfortable situation for myself, and I guarantee the next time the opponent will think twice before you bluff. Maybe it sounds a bit rude, but if you play poker in order to make new acquaintances, friends search, go better in a book club. If you want to win, psychological tactics must equal basis with others to become part of your arsenal.
Just do not think that now all these tips should be followed always and in every situation. Especially you should not stop play in the tournament for no apparent reason is. In my opinion, these cases are fully justify the fact that you can briefly consider:
You think before you make a bet of its own stack.
Do you have a strong combination of draw, and you need certain cards before making any decision.
The enemy is “clocked” and you need it to slow down.
Do you suspect that your opponent is bluffing seriously.
Do you have a very strong hand and you do not know how to maximize their benefits.
You do not want to make a decision under the pressure of emotion.
In all other cases, an experienced player must react quickly enough. Be kind and respectful toward those with whom to play, act quickly, whenever possible, avoid making emotional decisions and not be afraid to make opponents nervous, when it is needed.