Understanding Poker Theory

What Is Poker Theory?

Poker Strategy, and having a good understanding of Poker Theory are key elements to becoming a consistently winning player. But, what exactly do we mean when we say “poker theory”? I see it as a set of ideas, set in a specific pattern, in order to explain something. Our theory should be based on general principles, independent of the “thing” being explained. In other words, it should be an idea that can account for a situation or justify a course of action.

Correct poker strategy and game theory would say that we don’t always play AA the same way. Correct Poker Theory would mean looking at determining factors. In poker, it’s not always best to re-raise with AA; consider previous raises, the opponent’s style, position, and range. We need to be able to actually verbalize why we made X decision, and explain to ourselves why that was the best decision at the moment.

Although there are a number of poker strategies and poker theories that remain the best possible course of action, there is no single way or totally “correct” way to play any given hand. Everything in poker is situational, every decision is unique to that particular hand. We need to have the proper education to be able to make quick decisions based on incomplete data.

Poker Strategy – Poker Theory Based On Data

Emotions and ego have no place at the poker table. They are your enemy. Every decision must be based on factual data, be that hand odds vs. pot odds, outs probability, or a read on your opponent. Only if you consistently make the right decisions will you be a winning player in the long term.

How many times have you heard a player talk about they “felt” it was coming, or they “felt” this or that? How one feels about a poker hand is irrelevant. Wait. What did I just say? Feelings don’t matter, but what about when I “feel” like I have the best hand, based on how my opponent has bet, checked, raised, scratched his head, moved his arm, ran his fingers through his hair, etc.?

Well, then it’s not a feeling, it’s a decision you have reached based on empirical knowledge or deductive reasoning. In other words, your decision is based on data you have collected about this player, either during this hand or during past play.

Poker Theory & Poker Player Profiles:

One of the first considerations when determining our strategy for a session is who is at the table. By who, I mean the type of players. The players will determine the game, or at least the texture of the game. Will the game be loose-aggressive or tight-passive? Our style of play, our game theory, and our win rate will depend on the game’s texture. The first thing I do, when I initially sit down at a table, is to determine the game’s texture. I will always sit out a couple of hands in the beginning. This allows me to get situated, as well as to observe at least a couple of hands before I jump into the game. Before you look at strategies, be sure to visit the Player Profile Page.

Poker Strategy – Tournaments Verus Cash Games

Our strategies may well be different, depending on if we are playing in a poker tournament or a cash game. Our decisions in a tournament will have much more dire consequences than cash, as we could quite often be playing for our tournament “life”. We can’t reach into our pockets and put some more chips on the table as we do in cash.

I don’t think my brilliant play is what makes me a winning player. It’s more the mistakes that the other players make. Personally, I like playing against loose passive opponents. You just don’t have to be that great of a player, just better than most in the game. That said, more players are reading and studying than ever before. In order to stay a step ahead, we must do the same, even more than the average. I have often heard people say that the game is evolving. I really don’t see it that way. The game is the same as always, it’s the players that are getting better.

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