Texas Hold-Em?

Question

In about 3 hours I will be playing in a Texas Hold-Em Tournement. I need strategy, tips, any help?

Answer 1

It's probably a little late for this tournament, but buy Dan Harrington's book called Harrington on Hold'em. There are two volumes followed by a third volume which is an exercise book to test you on what you learned from the first two. They are the best tournament books I've ever read.

In terms of quick advice:

Remember that folding is your friend. What you see on TV are professional players, and only edited highlights, not a complete tournament.

Tournaments are a marathon not a sprint. You can afford to relax and fold a lot of hands. Play premium hands in position. Play only amazing hands when you are in the last two seats before the big blind.

If your hand is good enough to call, consider raising. If it is not good enough to raise consider folding.

Don't look at your cards until it is nearly your turn. Watch how the other players react to their cards. Did they instantly look at their stack or reach for their chips as soon as they saw their hand? If so, fold unless you have a monster. They love their hand.

I guess that's about all for now. Good luck.

Answer 2

Things that helped me develop as a better player were

1. Never think about how good your hand is or could be, think about what your opponents have to have to beat your hand and what are the chances of them having those cards.

2. Pay close attention to how players bet, there will be moments where you will be playing head to head for pots up against these players and knowing their betting habits will help you make the best decisions. A lot of players have a routine that they follow.

3. It's almost always worth matching blinds and bets to see the flop... Once you see the flop you have a much better idea of how your hand is going to look. If you play more hands to the flop you will win more hands. It's worth wasting the extra chips to see the flop most of the time.

4. If you catch an amazing flop, and know more than likely your going to win the hand. Play it down. Check, let others put money on the table, call their bets.. don't play aggressively. Until the river, Raise and act like your bluffing the hand if they have 2 pairs or something for instance they might call you only to find out you had a full house. I usually win big pots when I fish for chips like that.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Have fun! Remember, you can play a hand the right way, and STILL lose. Luck is a big part of poker.
As for a specific tip. Start off playing tight. See what players play almost every hand, and which players play very few.
Pay particular attention to the other players on the hands you fold. Watch the other player's faces when the cards are dealt. You can see the cards on the table after. Watch their reactions to the cards.

Answer 4

I trust you know how to play -- I mean *really* know how to play Hold-em -- not just the "rules".

I play small stakes, and tournaments sometimes.

The only advice I can give is, that tournament play is not like stakes play. Hold on to your chips for dear life -- play ultra conservative. Until you get to know the other players, I wouldn't even bet until you flop at least a 3-of-a-kind. When you get to know the other players better (tells, betting habits), only then would I start betting on 2-pairs and less.

Of course if you have straights, flushes, and higher, play them for all they are worth -- in context (no one is re-raising you who might have a better flush, etc.)

Don't bluff early in the tournament -- play straight. Establish yourself as a straight player.

Don't be afraid to check-and-raise (when appropriate). In a "friendly" game that is taboo, sometimes, but this is a tournament. Check-and-raise is a real part of the game.

Good luck.

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Answer 5

I only know one tip that i use when i play, and that is if you have a pair keep playing but if another player is adding to the pot whenever it comes to his/her turn then he/she could hold a very high hand that could kick the buzzards out of you, but they could also be teasing everyone into putting more money out. So i would try to read that persons facial expressions to see if he/she is teasing. [this only works if you are a very good facial reader or if you know the person really well.]

sorry couldn't help any more. wish i could! good luck.

Answer 6

Remember this is a game of logic and reading your opponent. Don't be in a hurry, and be methodical in your actions.

Also watch the other players as they act and NEVER look at your cards until it is your turn to act

Answer 7

Bluff three times if u get a hand the third time then bet big again and they will call it...

Answer 8

Fold on Pocket Aces.

Answer 9

don't bet big ~it can be a long game~goodluck