Master Your Poker Gameplan – An Introduction

Mastering any poker gameplan is far too complicated to even remotely discuss in a single post, which is why I have titled this an introduction to poker strategy. As we continue to grow our site, we will have potentially hundreds of articles revolving around poker strategy. We will be discussing all elements, the underlying form of poker (math), tells psychology, hand reading, etc.

I hope you will join us on our journey. It’s safe to say that we will never complete this journey. Rather, we will be traveling through the world of poker strategy with no end in sight and no final destination! I say this because sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive. Traveling is a constant learning experience, and that is what playing poker is all about. Yes, that’s Zen talking..

One of the biggest mistakes I see poker players make, is that they think they have nothing new to learn about the game. They believe they know math, the strategies, how to read players, etc., and never bother to continue studying the game. Truth be told, I love those players. I want them all at my table.

As part of our introduction to Poker Strategy, you may want to take a look at Player Profiles. Although you may already be familiar with the traits of each type of player, it may help briefly refresh your understanding.

Where To Start?

Texas Hold ’em Poker Strategy is a detailed and complex subject. To have any worthwhile discussion in a single post is not to have a discussion at all. For that reason, we are dedicating an entire series, which has no planned end, to poker strategy.

If you look at our Homepage, you may have noticed that we have five categories on our main menu. Those are Poker Strategy, Poker Psychology, Poker Tells, Poker Math and Poker Chronicles. In a very real sense, all of those qualify as elements of a sound poker strategy other than Poker Chronicles.

As per the menu, we have separated them to make it simpler to find information relating to specific areas of poker strategy. I hope you will find these articles both informative and practical.

If you have questions or feedback or think of a particular subject you would like to see further information on, please contact me at terrywood@pokerrailbird.com

What You Will Find in Poker Strategies

Poker is situational. In other words, every hand is a new game. Every player plays differently. Every game is different, personalities vary, and players evolve, and some don’t. Because poker is situational, there are no hard and fast rules. However, I have read many books that say otherwise. I have read “How You Play AK” and other given hands. Most likely, you have as well.

We don’t subscribe to the theory that there is one way or a dozen ways to play any given hand. In fact, I find that impossible to buy into because poker is situational. That said, you will not find any rules here, ever. I will never say you “always raise pre-flop if you are entering the pot.” I will never say that you “never check” or any other similarly ridiculous statements.

Now, you will find a detailed analysis of various elements of poker strategy and how to develop a winning game plan. Sometimes, I will arrive at a conclusion based on my personal analysis, but in most cases, I will only present the data, straightforward and unbiased. I believe that facts are more important than feelings, especially in poker. And facts you will get!

As you read through our articles, both in Poker Strategy and other segments of the menu, I would appreciate any feedback you may have. Again, you may contact me at terrywood@pokerrailbird.com. I look forward to hearing from you and hope you will check this site often; there is lots more to come. We will soon be adding videos and podcasts on YouTube and Instagram.