Playing Poker – Cash Games

Every one has their own style when playing a cash game of poker. And it is important to develop your own style – if only so you can lull competitors into believing they have you pegged.

My own style tends to change depending on which way the wind is blowing, but there are some basics that never change. My preferred game is no limit Texas Holdem, but I like to play almost any type of poker. First rule – act loose in the opening hours. I almost always put less than the maximum buy in on the table and play to lose the first couple of hours. This sets me up as a loose player and will (hopefully) mean I get paid off when I have a hand and have tightened up in the later stages of a game. Many of the great players use this approach, and it has worked successfully for me.

Obviously this can backfire if the table knows me or there are too many other players using a similar approach. Really this brings me to the crux of playing cash games successfully. One skill important to develop is getting a “feel,” for a table and the players at it. It is hard to put it into words, but basically if you feel the table is tight, you should play loose – and they will invariably follow, then you can tighten up. Doyle Brunsen’s skill in this area is legendary – but I have to say, his approach only works at very high stakes games. I have used his “system,” and found his methods will not work against poor players or at low stakes. I have found this out to my cost.

Usually, I talk a lot.  But I talk more when I am playing tightly than when playing loosely. It gives the impression you are doing the opposite.

If you want to make money playing poker, it is important to change your approach on a regular basis – especially when playing with people who know you, because it makes you much harder to put on a hand. I will raise pre-flop with a 10/king suited more than with a pair of aces. Sometimes, and especially in a late position. The mathematics of poker is important – but far more important is your demeanor. Exude confidence at all times – until you have a hand. When your opponent sense weakness, they will invariably pounce. Then you have them. Sometimes.