how much skill is involved in poker??

Because online, low value games - you have a number of idiots that will play and stay with any hand...you can beat one....but you can't beat them all.

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Some learn by reading…..Some learn by observation…….while others have too pee on the electric fence for themselves

yeah - im one of em! im pretty new to this game compared with most of the other guys on the forum... true though. i never played for money online - are there as many fish as there are in play games? coz if there are, i'd probably make a profit. mibbe. actually, i doubt it. hmmm...

In low value games you have less than play money games, but not much less! However there are way to many...you may think that you will beat them...but there are too many and with the high number of them...one of them at least is going to get lucky on you.
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Some learn by reading…..Some learn by observation…….while others have too pee on the electric fence for themselves

cool. i reckon im quite good at the maths, i just cant read tells very well and get caught up in the heat of the moment, betting all in with a dodgy hand. any tips on tells or disciplining yourself to stay calm?

The most important tell...is your knowledge of the opponents natural game...you have to keep notes on them! and you have to make continuous smart decisions without giving into the the emotions of the moment, Winning a tournament or winning with a profit is not based on winning one hand, you must continuously re-inforce that in your mind. You must be extremly patient and only make the right moves at the right time...playing only with quality hands and not being afraid to lay down a winning hand at times when the risks are too high...One hand can knock you out...many small wins, can make you an overall winner. Having premium pocket cards will make you a small winner or a big loser...the not so glamorous hands that hit will make you the most money...if played right.

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Some learn by reading…..Some learn by observation…….while others have too pee on the electric fence for themselves

nice. if you're playing 'brick and mortar' tho you can't make notes. should i be trying to remember what hands my opponents played and what they didnt etc? also, good plan winning many small pots and trying to avoid losing a big one.

When i play with my friend i am the worst bluffer ever. i cant help sighing heavily every time i get a killer hand, and it is so obvious i could cry i also act super confident when im bluffing and vice versa when i have a poor hand. i need to stop doing that (slap slap)

Thanks

You must keep your emotions steady whether playing a good hand, drawing hand or a bluffing hand...one sould not be able to distinguish one from the other, do not try to give false tells, watch Howard Leaderer, he plays exactly with the same time elements and emotions no matter what hand he has.

In live play...remember the quality of the hands that your opponents are playing and where are they when they raise call etc....do they slow play or do they always play strong...even when they don't have them.

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Some learn by reading…..Some learn by observation…….while others have too pee on the electric fence for themselves

so keep the same poker face whatever your hand? nice. i am also trying to learn some chip tricks, coz they intimidate, they look cool and they distract your attention when opponent is trying to read you.

You are much better off putting all your attention on your opponents rather than meaningless chip tricks to the knowledgable player. If you are devoting proper attention to your opponents you do not want to take time away from your subconscious mind as to your hand movements....forget the fancy stuff...devote all your attention to solid play.

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Some learn by reading…..Some learn by observation…….while others have too pee on the electric fence for themselves