MAXIMISING WINNINGS

Forum seems pretty quiet just now, so i thought i'd just share some wisdom ( ) i was thinking about earlier on.... As always, comments and criticisms welcome.

You can do well in a game, be it tourney or SnG, and leave thinking 'i am a brilliant poker player'. You can get a few good starting hands and get a convincing lead and think that you're ready for a seat at the WSOP. What im getting at is that one good spell, or even one good game does not mean you are a pro.

Anyone can get dealt good cards - that is entirely down to luck, and a fish has as good a chance of landing a straight flush as Doyle Brunson... The skill of Texas Hold Em is in what you do with your cards. That is what can take a lifetime to master.

The average player could look at their hole cards, think 'oooh, pocket kings!' and bet huge. chances are, most people will fold and the player scoops up the blinds. That seems like a bit of a waste... The good player will try get as many chips off their opponents when they have a monster hand, therefore maximising their winnings, and try to lose as little chips as possible on losing hands, therefore minimising their losses. This takes time, over games, tournaments and even a career..... this is what makes a successful player in the long run.

You said that a good player will try and maximize their winnings... This is true to some extent. I think a key element you missed though is that a lot of amateur players will also try to maximize their winnings, but pick bad spots. Here might be an example.

You hold Ad/Kc in your hole and you manage to play it down so only you and 2 other people see the flop. The flop comes (4h, 10h, As). Now, I think the difference between a pro player here an an amateur player could be a huge difference in chips. A pro player would look at the advantages of trying to suck in more chips, knowing he probably has the best hand, and he would see that flush draw out there. With that in mind, he wouldn't want to --maximize-- his stack with this hand. There is simply too much danger involved.

The pro would probably bet somewhat heavy, heavy enough to get rid of all hands that have no possibilities and if someone does call and another heart falls, then he would probably bet again to test if he has the flush -- if there is a call or a re-raise, the pro will fold unless he gets a good read that his opponent is merely bluffing the flush.

This is something that I have seen many amateur players make mistakes on. Trying to slow play the best hand in situations where it will get them hurt -- namely when a flush draw is on the table. Some times its not only about maximizing your stack, but minimizing the opponents chances.

yeah - the amateurs see the WSOP or the WPT and think they can play like the pros, but they seriously lack experience... therefore they cannot afford to play as aggressively, or as you said, they pick the wrong time...

If I am at fault...i will give up maximising to taking down the hand...yes I do try to increase the pot in safe situations...but sometimes the safe looking situations are really dangerous down deep. I find that on the internet it is difficult many times to bet enough that causes your opponent to lay down...so at times when your trying to end the hand, you are actually building the pot...such as in cases that your opponent just doesn't know better to get out!

Hey ScotiatheOne...look in the thread is QQ weaker than 22 in which you posted. Look at my post commenting on your post. And about this post...it takes skill to know how much to bet with KK or AA etc. I personally would bet alot...not allin...because unless I have an amazing hand, i hate slow playing...Especially before the flop. What good does pocket aces do you if tehre are 6 players against u.