Poker traps

Here are some common useful hints to think about when playing poker:

Never play online poker drunk. In fact, even 1 single beer may affect your play. When you play poker your mind must be in top shape.

Don't play online poker because you are bored. If you are bored it is likely you will not be paying enough attention to the action at the poker table, and will play below your normal skills.

Don't play online unless you are in a good shape of mind. Don't play tired and don't play when you are sick.

Don't play for money you can not afford to lose. Look at the money as "lost" when depositing. You have not won anything until you cash them out.

Play at tables with stakes that matches your poker budget. Don't try to catch up a loss by playing a higher stakes table. If you lost at the lower stakes table, why would you "win it back" at the higher stakes table, where it is more likely the players are more skilled.

Don't bluff to much. And if you are going to bluff, do it credible. If you strongly believe your opponent will fold if you do a big bet, do it. If he can afford a loss to call you, he probably will.

If you have "the nuts" and think your opponent might have a big hand as well - don't hesitate to go all-in. An example: Imagine you have 10,10 offsuit (not diamonds) and your opponent has AKs diamonds. On the table there are 3d, 7d, 7(hearts), 10d, Qd. Your opponent has a flush but you have a full house. Your full house is very hard for the opponent to spot, but you strongly think he might have the flush because of the 4 diamonds at the table. GO ALL-IN! If he has the flush, he will call! The trap situation is the opposite, don't play a flush hand too aggressive if there is a pair on the table. Especially not if another player has been aggressive in the same hand.

At a 6-10 players table, don't play a "highest-pair" hand too aggressive. The risk is that you get committed to the pot and your opponent, with a two-pair or higher, traps you into it. At least have a two-pair hand to make your aggressive move.

Don't think you will win money by getting lucky. This will not work in the long run. You might hit a nice pot from time to time, but this will not make you money. Play with your head, and use your knowledge of poker strategies.

If you have lost, take a break, don't try a revenge. You will likely play below your skills so have a break and clear your mind. Think about why you lost, and what you could have done differently. Each time you lose, try to learn something from it.

If you feel your opponents are more skilled or are on a winning run, leave the table and find another one! You should not have too much respect for your opponents, this will be bad for your play.

If you raised the pot in a middle position with a descent hand, like AQs or something, and a player in a later position goes all-in, DON'T join it. At least not unless he is short-stacked and you suspect a bluff. It is very likely that he has a AA, KK, QQ or even a 22 that is an odds favourite to win against you.

Don't slow-play AA and KK on a table with more than 2-4 players.