Ana Weaver
As a budding poker player, you may be wondering whether or not you are a strong player. This particular question is often one of the first things to spring to mind as you navigate the game and can be the difference between a good poker player and a great poker player. Continue reading to find out if you are a strong poker player.
Research the game
To find out whether or not you are a strong poker player, it may benefit you to research the game as much and as often as possible. This includes winning strategies, pot odds, common tells, and starting hand ranges. By familiarising yourself with the common traits of professional poker players, you can uncover trends and movements within the industry and make an informed decision.
It is worth remembering, however, that poker is a game of skill. If you believe you are a strong poker player, you must still practice on a regular basis to perfect your playing style and up your game. As a result, the more you research the game, the more likely you are to walk away with a sizable jackpot. The main advantage of this game in the first place is that the luck is not always the main factor. It is crucial to learn how to recognize the moves of your opponents and when it might be a good option to bluff.
Having a strong strategy is necessary, and it must include the money management and targets where you will create a set of actions related to bets and when you should check, follow, increase the bet, or fold. Besides that, you can use some even more complex strategies that will help you to make actions with particular cards.
Hire a poker coach
If you are looking to improve your poker skills, you should consider hiring a poker coach. Hiring a coach can end up costing you a pretty penny in the long run, but it can enable you to learn from the best and benefit from decades worth of expert knowledge and experience of the game. If you are not in the position to do so, an online training course or poker forum is a great option for budding poker players with little free time or are on a budget. Alternatively, practising your skills on a leading online casino or poker room, such as GGPoker, can enable you to sharpen your skills and find out on a first-hand basis whether or not you have the potential to become a strong poker player.
Transfer existing skills
When it comes to playing poker, a number of professional poker players have admitted to transferring existing skills to the game. For example, the vast majority of big names in poker have a degree in a related subject such as mathematics, law, physics or psychology. As a result, it could be argued that in order to become a strong poker player, a keen eye for mathematics or a relatively high IQ is required to succeed at poker on a professional level.
Whether you have taken to poker like a duck to water or find yourself struggling to understand basic concepts, education may well play a large role in determining your success. Having luck might help you in one or two hands in a row. However, if you want to reach higher consistency, these skills will help you to become a much better poker player.
Be consistent
As is the case when it comes to learning a new skill, consistency is key. If you put in the time, money, effort, and patience, you will be rewarded. This is especially true for poker. With so many factors to familiarise yourself with ahead of time, it can take a considerable amount of time to grow and develop as a player and climb the ranks as an amateur player to become a professional poker player. If you find yourself losing interest when you lose money and only returning when you are looking to make a quick buck, poker may not be the game for you.
Poker is a game of skill. A number of external factors may improve your chances of succeeding, such as possessing a degree or benefiting from a relatively high IQ, but by researching the game, hiring a poker coach, transferring existing skills, and being consistent, you can up your game and find out for yourself whether or not you are a strong poker player.
Play Demo Versions
If you are not sure whether you are good enough to start playing at high-stakes tables, you should consider playing with your friends who have experience in this game or try some demo version online. Playing with friends can be a great way to spend time together since it is entertaining and will last for hours. On the other hand, if none of your friends are interested in playing, you can choose some online versions, like Poker Stars, 888, Zynga, and more.
You Are Winning More Often
If you notice that you are constantly winning by playing at live tables, with your friends, or on online platforms, it might be a sign that you are ready to step up and start playing high-stakes. Be sure to never rush with this decision. The best way is to start progressively by leveling up to the highest tables.
The great thing about this game is that there are tournaments available with a wide range of starting amounts. Therefore, if you never played for real money, you can start at some low-stake table where you can spend only around $20. You cannot expect to win a lot of money, but it will be a great way to see your performance. If you keep winning, you can start looking for tables with higher bets.
On the other side, keep in mind that the game is not the same when you are playing online and at live tables. It might be easier online since other players can’t see you. However, professional players see that as a disadvantage. Some people might lose focus during long sessions, and start making some expressions that professionals will notice and use that to apply the right approach that will help them to win. For example, if someone is notably nervous due to excessive losses, you can start bluffing more often and raising the bets even before the flop.
The Bottom Line
It is important to be focused and to never rush with decisions that could lead to serious financial losses. You should test your abilities and gain proper experience before you are sure that you can play with professionals. Also, keep in mind that online model is not the same as playing at live table, while both options have some benefits and downsides.