Basic Strategy & Rules

Beginner Poker Questions, Answered

1. How to play poker for beginners
2. What are poker hand rankings
3. How much should I bet in poker
4. When to fold in poker
5. What is a good starting hand in poker
6. How to bluff in poker
7. What is position in poker
8. How to calculate pot odds
9. What is a continuation bet
10. When to raise preflop
11. How to play pocket aces
12. What is a bad beat in poker
13. How to read poker tells
14. What is ante vs blind
15. How to play suited connectors
16. When to check-raise
17. What is slow playing in poker
18. How to defend big blind
19. What is implied odds
20. How to play short stack
21. What is a donk bet
22. How to size bets properly
23. What is range vs range thinking
24. When to barrel bluff
25. How to play draws

Advanced Strategy & GTO

26. What is GTO poker strategy
27. How to use poker solvers
28. What is game theory optimal
29. How to balance ranges
30. What is exploitative vs GTO play
31. How to study with PioSolver
32. What is MDF (minimum defense frequency)
33. How to construct betting ranges
34. What is optimal preflop strategy
35. How to play vs 3-bets
36. What is polarized vs merged range
37. How to approach multi-way pots
38. What is node locking in solvers
39. How to study postflop play
40. What is ICM in tournaments
41. How to use blockers effectively
42. What is reverse psychology in poker
43. How to exploit population tendencies
44. What is solver accuracy
45. How to transition from exploitative to GTO
46. What is mixed strategy in poker
47. How to handle solver complexity
48. What is Nash equilibrium in poker
49. How to apply GTO concepts live
50. What is EV calculation in poker

Tournament Strategy

51. How to play poker tournaments
52. What is ICM pressure
53. When to shove in tournaments
54. How to play final table
55. What is bubble strategy
56. How to adjust for stack sizes
57. What is ante vs blind tournaments
58. How to play satellite tournaments
59. What is tournament life vs chips
60. How to handle bad beats in tournaments
61. When to fold AA in tournaments
62. What is push/fold strategy
63. How to play early vs late stages
64. What is effective stack in tournaments
65. How to exploit weak tournament players
66. What is proper tournament bankroll
67. How to handle tournament variance
68. What is independent chip model
69. How to play knockout tournaments
70. When to take risks in tournaments

Cash Game Strategy

71. How to beat cash games
72. What is proper cash game bankroll
73. How to play deep stacked cash
74. What is table selection
75. How to handle bad sessions
76. What is shot taking in cash games
77. How to play vs regulars
78. What is game flow in cash games
79. How to exploit fish in cash games
80. What is proper cash game strategy
81. How to play short handed cash games
82. What is zoom poker strategy
83. How to handle cash game variance
84. What is live vs online cash differences
85. How to move up stakes in cash games

Mental Game & Business

86. How to control tilt in poker
87. What is proper bankroll management
88. How to treat poker as business
89. How to track poker results
90. What is win rate in poker
91. How to handle poker variance
92. What is poker psychology
93. How to improve mental game
94. What is meditation for poker
95. How to deal with bad beats
96. What is poker lifestyle management
97. How to balance poker and life
98. What is professional poker career
99. How to handle poker stress
100. What is sustainable poker practice

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Advanced poker guides in process

Some of the concepts we are developing for our classroom address these common problems, and here is a sampling of our upcoming guides.

1. “GTO vs Exploitative Poker Strategy: The Complete Guide”
2. “How to Use Poker Solvers: From Beginner to Advanced”
3. “Tournament ICM Strategy: When Math Meets Reality”
4. “Bankroll Management for Serious Players”
5. “Final Table Strategy: Playing to Win, Not Survive”

Beginner Poker Guides IN process

6. “Advanced Preflop Strategy: Beyond ABC Poker”
7. “Reading Live Tells vs Online Tendencies”
8. “Short Stack Tournament Mastery”
9. “Mental Game Fundamentals for Winning Players”
10. “Cash Game vs Tournament Strategy: Key Differences”

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Complete Poker Strategy FAQ Guide

Basic Strategy & Rules

How to play poker for beginners

Start with Texas Hold’em. You get two cards, five community cards appear on the board, and you make the best five-card hand possible. The goal is simple: win chips by having the best hand or making opponents fold.

Master the betting rounds first. Pre-flop (after getting your two cards), flop (first three community cards), turn (fourth card), and river (fifth card). You can check, bet, call, raise, or fold at each decision point.

What are poker hand rankings

From strongest to weakest: Royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pair, one pair, high card. Memorize these completely before playing your first hand.

How much should I bet in poker

Bet for value when you have a strong hand, typically 60-75% of the pot. Bluff bet smaller, around 40-50% of the pot. Your bet size should accomplish a specific goal: building the pot with good hands or making opponents fold with bluffs.

When to fold in poker

Fold weak hands pre-flop like 7-2 offsuit or J-3 suited. Post-flop, fold when you have little chance to improve and face significant betting action. Don’t chase draws without proper pot odds.

What is a good starting hand in poker

Premium hands: AA, KK, QQ, AK. Strong hands: JJ, TT, AQ, AJ. Playable hands depend on position, but stick to top 20% of hands as a beginner: pocket pairs 66+, suited aces, broadway cards.

How to bluff in poker

Bluff when your hand has some potential to improve (semi-bluff) or when the board favors your range over your opponent’s. Don’t bluff calling stations. Pick your spots against thinking players who can fold.

What is position in poker

Your seating position relative to the dealer button. Late position (button, cutoff) plays more hands because you act last post-flop with maximum information. Early position plays tighter since you act first.

How to calculate pot odds

Compare the pot size to your bet requirement. If the pot is $100 and you need to call $20, you’re getting 5:1 odds. You need to win more than 16.7% of the time to profit (100 divided by 120).

What is a continuation bet

Betting on the flop after raising pre-flop, regardless of whether the flop helped your hand. Effective because you showed strength pre-flop and many flops miss your opponent’s calling range.

When to raise preflop

Raise with premium hands for value (AA through TT, AK, AQ). Raise weaker hands in late position to steal blinds. Three-bet (re-raise) premium hands and some bluffs for balance.

How to play pocket aces

Raise pre-flop in any position. Bet for value on most flops unless the board is extremely coordinated (like 9-8-7 with two suits). Don’t slowplay aces – build the pot early.

What is a bad beat in poker

Losing with a strong hand to an unlikely draw. Example: your AA loses to 22 when your opponent hits a set on the river. Bad beats are part of poker variance and happen to everyone.

How to read poker tells

Live tells include betting patterns, physical behavior, and timing. Online tells focus on bet sizing patterns and timing. Most reliable tells are betting inconsistencies, not physical movements.

What is ante vs blind

Blinds are forced bets by two players before cards are dealt. Antes are small forced bets by all players. Antes create more action since everyone has money invested pre-flop.

How to play suited connectors

Play suited connectors like 7-6 suited in position when you can see the flop cheaply. They make strong draws and disguised hands but need proper implied odds to be profitable.

When to check-raise

Check-raise with strong hands on coordinated boards to build bigger pots. Also check-raise as a bluff when you have draws or when the turn/river improves your range significantly.

What is slow playing in poker

Checking or calling with a very strong hand instead of betting. Only slowplay when you’re confident your opponent will bet or when the board is unlikely to improve their hand.

How to defend big blind

Defend your big blind more liberally since you’re getting better pot odds and close the action. Call with suited cards, connectors, and any pair. Don’t defend trash like 7-2 offsuit.

What is implied odds

The additional money you expect to win on later streets if you hit your draw. If you’re drawing to a flush and your opponent has a strong hand, your implied odds are high because they’ll likely pay you off.

How to play short stack

Play tight and aggressive with 20 big blinds or less. Look for spots to get all-in with any pair, ace-high, or strong draws. Avoid marginal situations that commit most of your stack.

What is a donk bet

Betting into the pre-flop raiser when you’re out of position. Usually considered weak play, but can be effective with strong hands or as an occasional bluff on specific board textures.

How to size bets properly

Bet 60-75% of pot for value, 40-50% for bluffs. Adjust based on board texture and opponent tendencies. Wet boards need larger bets, dry boards can use smaller sizing.

What is range vs range thinking

Instead of putting opponents on specific hands, consider their entire range of possible holdings. Make decisions based on how your range performs against their likely range.

When to barrel bluff

Continue bluffing on the turn when you have equity to improve or when the turn card favors your range. Don’t barrel into multiple opponents or on boards that heavily favor their calling range.

How to play draws

Play strong draws aggressively by betting or raising. Weak draws should call if getting proper odds. Consider stack sizes and implied odds when deciding whether to chase draws.

Advanced Strategy & GTO

What is GTO poker strategy

Game Theory Optimal play seeks unexploitable strategies by balancing value bets and bluffs in optimal frequencies. GTO provides a baseline strategy that opponents cannot exploit through adjustments.

How to use poker solvers

Input specific scenarios into solver software like PioSolver or GTO+. Study the outputs to understand optimal frequencies and bet sizes. Practice implementing solver solutions in your play.

What is game theory optimal

A strategy that cannot be exploited, regardless of opponent adjustments. In practice, perfect GTO is impossible, but approximating GTO concepts improves your baseline strategy significantly.

How to balance ranges

Mix strong hands and bluffs in your betting ranges using optimal frequencies. If you bet 70% value and 30% bluffs, opponents cannot profitably exploit your strategy by always calling or folding.

What is exploitative vs GTO play

GTO seeks balance and unexploitability. Exploitative play adjusts to opponent weaknesses for maximum profit but becomes exploitable itself. Good players blend both approaches situationally.

How to study with PioSolver

Start with simple scenarios like single raised pots. Analyze bet sizes, checking frequencies, and continue betting patterns. Gradually add complexity as you understand basic concepts.

What is MDF (minimum defense frequency)

The minimum percentage you must defend against bets to prevent opponents from profiting with any two cards. MDF = Pot size / (Pot size + Bet size).

How to construct betting ranges

Combine strong hands for value with appropriate bluff combinations. Your value-to-bluff ratio should roughly match the pot odds you’re laying your opponent.

What is optimal preflop strategy

Raise larger ranges from later positions, three-bet for value and as bluffs, and flat call appropriately. Preflop charts provide starting points, but adjust based on opponent tendencies.

How to play vs 3-bets

Call 3-bets with hands that play well post-flop like suited connectors and pocket pairs. Four-bet premium hands for value and some bluffs for balance.

What is polarized vs merged range

Polarized ranges contain very strong hands and bluffs with little in between. Merged ranges include many medium-strength hands that can bet for thin value.

How to approach multi-way pots

Play more straightforwardly in multi-way pots. Bluff less frequently, bet stronger hands for value, and avoid marginal spots that work better heads-up.

What is node locking in solvers

Forcing specific actions at decision points to see how it affects the overall solution. Useful for studying how opponents’ mistakes create exploitative opportunities.

How to study postflop play

Focus on fundamental concepts like board texture, position, and range advantage. Study common spots systematically rather than random hands.

What is ICM in tournaments

Independent Chip Model calculates tournament equity based on chip stacks and prize structure. ICM influences decisions near bubbles and final tables where survival has additional value.

How to use blockers effectively

Consider which cards you hold that prevent opponents from having certain strong hands. Bluff more when you block opponent’s calling range, bluff less when you block their folding range.

What is reverse psychology in poker

Making statements or actions designed to induce opposite behavior from opponents. Generally ineffective against good players who focus on betting patterns rather than speech play.

How to exploit population tendencies

Study common player leaks like folding too much to 3-bets or calling too often on the river. Adjust your strategy to maximize profit against these widespread tendencies.

What is solver accuracy

How closely real play matches theoretical optimal solutions. Perfect solver accuracy is impossible due to human limitations and incomplete information in real games.

How to transition from exploitative to GTO

Start with exploitative adjustments against obvious leaks, then gradually incorporate GTO concepts for balance. Use GTO as your baseline and deviate exploitatively when profitable.

What is mixed strategy in poker

Randomizing between different actions in the same spot to maintain balance. Mix bluffs and value bets, or mix calling and folding with marginal hands.

How to handle solver complexity

Start with basic concepts and simple spots. Focus on understanding principles rather than memorizing specific outputs. Gradually increase complexity as fundamentals solidify.

What is Nash equilibrium in poker

The theoretical solution where no player can improve results by changing strategy, assuming opponents play optimally. Represents perfect GTO play in simplified poker models.

How to apply GTO concepts live

Use GTO frequencies as rough guidelines rather than exact targets. Focus on balancing your ranges over time and avoiding exploitable patterns in your play.

What is EV calculation in poker

Expected Value calculations determine the long-term profitability of decisions by weighing potential outcomes against their probabilities. Essential for optimal decision-making.

Tournament Strategy

How to play poker tournaments

Adjust strategy based on stack depth, blind levels, and payout structure. Play tighter early, more aggressively with shorter stacks, and consider ICM implications late.

What is ICM pressure

The additional value of tournament survival that influences decision-making. ICM pressure increases near bubbles and at final tables where pay jumps are significant.

When to shove in tournaments

Shove with 10-15 big blinds when first to act with any pair, ace-high, or strong king-high hands. Adjust range based on opponent tendencies and ICM considerations.

How to play final table

Balance survival and chip accumulation based on stack size and pay jumps. Short stacks should look for double-up spots, big stacks should apply pressure appropriately.

What is bubble strategy

Tighten up slightly as a medium stack, but don’t play overly scared. Apply pressure to other medium stacks while avoiding big stacks and very short stacks.

How to adjust for stack sizes

Deep stacks play more like cash games with speculative hands and post-flop play. Short stacks focus on pre-flop all-in decisions with push-fold strategies.

What is ante vs blind tournaments

Ante tournaments create more action since everyone pays each hand. Stealing becomes more profitable, and hand ranges generally widen throughout the tournament.

How to play satellite tournaments

Focus entirely on survival rather than chip accumulation. Avoid marginal spots against other big stacks when you’re already in qualifying position.

What is tournament life vs chips

Tournament life has additional value beyond chip value due to elimination risk. This creates ICM considerations that don’t exist in cash games.

How to handle bad beats in tournaments

Accept that variance is higher in tournaments due to shorter stack depths. Focus on making correct decisions rather than results of individual hands.

When to fold AA in tournaments

Extremely rare, but possible in severe ICM spots like satellite bubbles when calling would risk elimination without significant upside potential.

What is push/fold strategy

With 10 big blinds or less, simplified strategy of either shoving all-in or folding pre-flop. Complex post-flop play becomes less relevant with short stacks.

How to play early vs late stages

Early stages allow more post-flop play and speculative hands. Late stages require tighter ranges and more aggressive pre-flop play due to stack depths.

What is effective stack in tournaments

The smallest stack between you and opponents in a hand. Determines maximum potential loss and influences decision-making throughout the hand.

How to exploit weak tournament players

Target players who fold too much to aggression or call too loosely with weak hands. Adjust your bluffing and value betting frequencies accordingly.

What is proper tournament bankroll

Generally 50-100 buy-ins for tournaments due to high variance. Satellite entries and lower buy-in tournaments help build bankroll more safely.

How to handle tournament variance

Accept that results will fluctuate significantly even with perfect play. Focus on long-term process improvements rather than short-term results.

What is independent chip model

Mathematical model that converts tournament chip stacks into real money equity based on payout structure and remaining players.

How to play knockout tournaments

Balance collecting bounties with tournament survival. Adjust calling ranges against short stacks when bounty value is significant relative to remaining prize pool.

When to take risks in tournaments

Take calculated risks when potential reward justifies the risk. Avoid unnecessary risks near bubbles unless your stack requires action.

Cash Game Strategy

How to beat cash games

Play tight-aggressive with strong hand selection and aggressive betting. Focus on table selection, bankroll management, and consistent decision-making over long sessions.

What is proper cash game bankroll

20-30 buy-ins for live play, 30-50 buy-ins for online play. Conservative bankroll management prevents going broke during inevitable downswings.

How to play deep stacked cash

Play more speculative hands like suited connectors and small pairs for their implied odds potential. Post-flop play becomes more complex with deeper stacks.

What is table selection

Choosing games with weaker opponents and favorable conditions. Look for loose, passive players while avoiding tables full of strong regulars.

How to handle bad sessions

Set stop-loss limits and stick to them. Don’t chase losses with higher stakes or looser play. Take breaks to maintain emotional control.

What is shot taking in cash games

Playing higher stakes temporarily when bankroll and confidence allow. Take shots conservatively and drop back down if unsuccessful.

How to play vs regulars

Play more straightforwardly against tough opponents. Avoid fancy plays and focus on solid fundamentals rather than trying to outplay strong players.

What is game flow in cash games

The general dynamic and mood at the table. Adjust your image and strategy based on whether the game is tight, loose, aggressive, or passive.

How to exploit fish in cash games

Value bet thinner against loose players and bluff less. Take notes on specific leaks and adjust your strategy to maximize profit against recreational players.

What is proper cash game strategy

Tight-aggressive approach with strong hand selection, aggressive betting with good hands, and selective bluffing. Maintain consistent strategy regardless of results.

How to play short handed cash games

Play looser pre-flop ranges and more aggressively post-flop. Position becomes even more important with fewer players at the table.

What is zoom poker strategy

Tighten up slightly since you face different opponents each hand. Focus on exploiting general population tendencies rather than individual player reads.

How to handle cash game variance

Understand that short-term results don’t reflect long-term skill. Focus on making correct decisions and trust that results will follow over time.

What is live vs online cash differences

Live games are generally softer with more recreational players. Online games are faster and more aggressive with better players on average.

How to move up stakes in cash games

Move up when bankroll and skill level support it. Take shots at higher stakes when confident and properly bankrolled, but be ready to move back down.

Mental Game & Business

How to control tilt in poker

Recognize early tilt warning signs and take breaks before it affects your play. Develop emotional awareness and coping strategies for dealing with bad beats.

What is proper bankroll management

Maintain appropriate buy-ins for your stake level and never risk more than you can afford to lose. Conservative bankroll management is essential for long-term success.

How to treat poker as business

Track results accurately, pay taxes appropriately, and maintain professional standards. Set goals, analyze performance, and continuously improve your skills.

How to track poker results

Record all sessions including stakes, time played, and results. Use tracking software or apps to analyze your performance and identify leaks in your game.

What is win rate in poker

Your average profit per hour or per 100 hands. Measured in big blinds for cash games or ROI/ITM percentage for tournaments.

How to handle poker variance

Understand that short-term results don’t always reflect skill level. Focus on making correct decisions and trust the long-term process.

What is poker psychology

The mental aspects of poker including reading opponents, controlling emotions, and making decisions under pressure. Mental game often separates good players from great ones.

How to improve mental game

Practice mindfulness, develop emotional control, and work on decision-making under pressure. Consider working with a mental game coach for serious improvement.

What is meditation for poker

Mindfulness practices that improve focus, emotional control, and decision-making at the tables. Regular meditation can significantly improve your mental game.

How to deal with bad beats

Accept that bad beats are part of poker variance. Focus on whether you made correct decisions rather than the outcome of individual hands.

What is poker lifestyle management

Balancing poker with personal relationships, health, and other life priorities. Maintain perspective and don’t let poker consume your entire life.

How to balance poker and life

Set clear boundaries between poker time and personal time. Maintain relationships and interests outside of poker for long-term happiness and success.

What is professional poker career

Making your primary income from poker requires exceptional skill, discipline, and bankroll management. Most players should consider poker a hobby rather than career.

How to handle poker stress

Develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with the inevitable stress of playing poker for money. Regular exercise, good sleep, and social support are essential.

What is sustainable poker practice

Playing within your bankroll, managing your mental health, and continuously improving your skills. Sustainable practice leads to long-term success and enjoyment.