Edited by Niti998 at 22-9-2023 03:54 PM
Texas Hold'em is a challenging game, and if you don't continuously improve your poker skills, you'll likely fall behind and become a losing player. Don't let that happen! Here are five pieces of advice to help you maintain a competitive edge. Some of these ideas you may have heard before, but putting them into practice can significantly benefit your poker skills.
**Learn from Players Better Than You in Your Current Level:**
While watching world-class players in action is exciting, it may not be the best way to learn. This is because their gameplay can be challenging to understand comprehensively. A better approach is to learn from the best players at your current level. When you're sitting at the table, especially at lower or mid-levels, you should aim to play against better players. Observe how they win and incorporate their poker strategies into your own game. Over time, this will help you grow as a player.
As you move up in stakes, you may find that some strategies that worked at lower levels no longer apply. In such cases, focus on learning from the winners at your new level. If you find yourself idle at the poker table, you're not using your time wisely. Time is limited, so make the most of it.
**Consider Your Opponent's Range:**
If you consistently narrow your opponent's range down to one hand, you're playing poorly. For example, if a tight player in an early position raises pre-flop, you shouldn't automatically assume they have pocket Aces or a specific hand. Instead, consider a range of hands they could have, like AA, KK, QQ, JJ, TT, 99, AK, and AQ. As the game progresses, narrow down their range step by step. Rigidly locking an opponent into a single hand will lead to significant mistakes.
**Stop Continuation Betting 100% of the Time:**
In the past, it was a reasonable strategy to continuation bet almost 100% of the time because most players folded too often. However, in today's games, you should reduce your continuation betting frequency. You should generally check when:
- The community cards are unfavorable for your range.
- You have a weak hand.
- You have a medium-strength hand that can't withstand a strong opponent's aggression.
- You're in a multi-way pot, and the flop didn't favor your hand.
However, you may still continuation bet more frequently than most players because many of them fold too often, especially against bets smaller than 25% of the pot.
**Bet More Aggressively, Including on the River:**
Most players now know to use relatively wide ranges for continuation betting, including with made hands, draws, and some bluffs. They also understand to bet with medium-strength made hands like top pair. However, when making a substantial river bet, most opponents tend to trust the strength of your hand.
So, don't be afraid to make large bets, especially when you don't have a great chance of winning at showdown. Of course, if a particular opponent is calling with weak hands, reverse this advice and start value-betting relentlessly with medium-strength made hands (like top pair).
**Treat Yourself as a Mental Athlete:**
Poker is a mental game that requires skill, and you need to take care of your mental faculties just as athletes take care of their bodies. If you consume excessive alcohol, eat unhealthy food, or misuse substances, you can damage your mental abilities and ultimately sabotage your poker game. To maintain long-term success, ensure you prioritize your mental and physical well-being.
By following these five tips, it's not an exaggeration to say that you'll surpass most poker players in terms of skill and understanding of the game. | 
Post time 22-9-2023 15:53:15