Ten Poker Truths

phydaux · #1 01-20-2006, 04:32 AM

Recently I was thumbing through the Killer Poker Workbook in my local Barnes & Noble. The first chapter was very interesting. It was on the mindset you bring with you to the table.

The author asked the reader to put the book down, get a pencil & paper and make a list of ten things about poker that the reader knew were true. He then went on to discuss several assumptions about poker that many people have but that are either untrue or half-true. Finally he encouraged the reader to reflect on the "poker truths" they had written and see if they were in fact true or not.

I thought this was a facinating exercise, and I'd like to challenge the Beginner Forum to do the same. I'm going to list ten "poker truths." Add your own poker truths to the thread, and reflect on the truths posted by others.

Here goes:

1) You only make money when you play people less skilled than yourself.

2) You only improve as a player when you play people as skilled or more skilled than yourself.

3) The most important decition you make at a poker table is whether to play there or find another.

4) Don't get emotionally attached to your chips - Once you put them in the pot they are no longer yours.

5) Made hands need to be played aggressivly to chase away possible suck-outs.

6) Drawing hands need to be played subtly so the pot odds remain high enough to keep calling.

7) A pair of balls can beat a pair of kings, but not twice in one night.

8) No one plays as well as they think they do.

9) Rule number eight applies to everyone - You don't play as well as you think you do either.

10) Every rule has exceptions except rule number nine.

Splossy · #2 01-20-2006, 05:13 AM

I can't agree with rule 8). Surely I can't be playing any worse than I think I do!? Oh dear....

dseiler116 · #3 01-20-2006, 09:09 AM

The only rule that applies to poker:

1. There is no spoon.

thelyingthief · #4 01-20-2006, 12:09 PM

1. the best way to play poker is with great aggression.

2. the way to beat aggressive play is with measured passivity.

Uncle Grumpy · #5 01-21-2006, 01:28 AM

1. If you think you're beat then fold

2. Excessive alcohol consumption is -EV

3. There is no such thing as an undefeated poker player

4. Playing for play money online is not the same as playing for real money.

dseiler116 · #6 01-21-2006, 12:16 PM

[ QUOTE ]

4. Playing for play money online is not the same as playing for real money.

[/ QUOTE ]

Uncle Grumpy, can you please explain this rule to my wife?

"Honey, I have to deposit money online. It's the only way I will get good!"

wmonfor · #7 01-21-2006, 01:04 PM

1. don't spook the live one

benb18a · #8 01-21-2006, 04:39 PM

1. in the poker game of life, women are the rake. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Skipbidder · #9 01-21-2006, 06:18 PM

[ QUOTE ]
1. If you think you're beat then fold

[/ QUOTE ]

This is the worst piece of advice I've read on the internet today.

benb18a · #10 01-21-2006, 08:01 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
1. If you think you're beat then fold

[/ QUOTE ]

This is the worst piece of advice I've read on the internet today.

[/ QUOTE ]

to be true, it should say
1. if the villain is a calling station and you think youre beat, fold [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]