Poker Theory

Sometimes, even experienced poker players come up against an opponent that just throws them for a loop. Even when you know you know how to play poker, even when you think you've got it all figured out you come up against that one player with a trick up his sleeve you never saw coming. It's bound to happen. Taking the hits with the glory is all part of the ongoing learning process that’s a part of poker theory and it’s one you must accept if you want to keep growing as a player and stay on top

So now that we’re being real with each other, ask yourself this question; you know you know how to play poker, but do you really know how to play poker? This section is for players who want to learn more about the game and their opponents, and understand the advanced concepts that exist in poker theory, those which the experts have studied and use to propel themselves past anyone who stands in their way. Read on to find out all the goods you need to play advanced poker.

The term variance is a word used a lot in poker. It’s often used as the reason people give for not playing well. It’s a term most often used in a negative light, because of its connection to players going bust. But a true poker pupil does not shy away from variance and instead tries to understand and embrace it as part of the poker process.

Experts who really know how to play poker know that variance is important because it directly affects the results of your play by controlling your profits and losses.

Variance doesn't affect all players in the same way. But when playing poker, you need to take the environment into account. Winning at poker is about applying and reapplying advantages over an extended period of time. If your expectation is positive expectation versus your opponents each time you sit down to play, over the long run you will win. It’ really that simple.

It’s easy to win tournaments when you’ve got the nuts, but it’s important to know when to make a great laydown to have a shot at every tournament.

No matter what style you play if you know how to play poker, you know that making good laydowns is imperative to being a winning player. Laydowns mean folding a hand with some value, a hand that could be a winning hand, but may also be beaten. In poker, it’s important not only to win, but also to spend time minimising your losses.

Fold equity is money you will win in the long-term when your opponent folds.

Check out all our other tips on how to play poker, like getting results and game theory in this section and set yourself on the path to success!