Copyright 2007 Full
Tilt Poker
December 19th 2007
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Poker Lessons)
Poker Lesson: Mix It Up!
Author: Eddy Scharf
A group of my fellow Full Tilt Poker pros and I
recently completed a tour of Germany where we got to spend a lot
of time interacting with a whole new generation of players from
around the country. What I noticed along the way - aside from
the incredible enthusiasm for the game - is that many of these
players are very technically sound, but lack the real-life game
experience to use their knowledge creatively.
To me, these players are like artists who learn
by copying the works of past masters. They've studied the styles
and understand the concepts, but their games lack originality.
It's paint-by-numbers poker.
For beginning players, reading poker books and strategy
articles provide a great foundation for learning the basics of
the game. These materials teach the importance of strong starting
hands, position, and aggression. But, as Phil Ivey recently pointed
out, relying too much on other's people advice can actually stunt
the growth of your game.
One of the most important pieces of advice I offer
to new players is this; mix things up. There's more than one way
to become a winning player and it's up to you to find the style
- or combination of styles - that works best for you. Look at
some of the game's best known tournament pros like Gus Hansen,
Gavin Smith, and Erick Lindgren. Each of these players is a master
of mixing up their games and of playing "against the grain"
of the competition.
If you're normally a tight player, go a little bit
crazy and loosen up for a while. You might be very surprised at
the results you get. The same goes for those of you who usually
play a very aggressive style. Rein it in at times and try out
a tighter style of play. By switching gears like this, you'll
prevent your opponents from easily determining how you play and
you'll be able to take advantage of opponents who don't make adjustments
to their games. Sitting in a rock garden? Take advantage of your
tight opponents by playing more hands. Surrounded by maniacs?
Tighten up and pick off their bluffs by playing more premium hands.
Knowing when - and how - to make these changes comes
with experience, so don't be afraid to experiment, especially
online. It's very easy to sit down at a low-limit table - or even
a play money table if you're more comfortable with that - and
try out some new tactics. Experiment with different starting hands,
not just the ones recommended by the books. Try playing a hand
like 8-6 suited from early position and see what happens. You
might not win the pot, but it's an experience you can learn from
and draw on later in your poker career.
Another great way for players to start mixing up
their game, especially newer ones who play No-Limit Hold 'em almost
exclusively, is to try out some of the other forms of poker out
there. Play some Limit Hold 'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Stud, and Razz.
Doing this will likely give you a fresh perspective on No-Limit
Hold 'em and open up your mind to some new ways to approach the
game.
Its one thing to read a book where the information
presented is based on someone else's experience. It's entirely
another to have that experience for yourself. Get online and experiment.
Try different plays and different games and see how mixing things
up can help make you a more successful poker player in the long
run.
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