Poker is a game that requires a deep understanding of probability, psychology, and strategy. As you progress from beginner to intermediate level, it's essential to master advanced poker strategies to stay ahead of the competition. In this article, we'll dive into five pro-level techniques that will help you improve your game and increase your chances of winning.
1. Pocket Pairs And Suited Connectors Are Money-Makers in Multiway Pots
When multiple players enter a pot, the probability of someone hitting a very strong hand increases. This is where pocket pairs and suited connectors come into play. These hands have a higher probability of making two pair or better by the river, making them excellent choices for multiway pots.
Pocket pairs are particularly powerful in this scenario, as they hit a set on the flop 11.8% of the time. Suited connectors, such as QT, also perform well, flopping strong hands or draws 26.3% of the time.
2. Don't Be Afraid to Check-Raise With Draws After Calling A 3-Bet
Playing too passively out of position after calling a 3-bet is detrimental to your win-rate. To combat this, you need to check-raise with most of your strong hands while balancing your range with draws.
This will make your opponent's life difficult, as they won't know if you have a strong hand or a bluff. By being balanced, you'll extract maximum value from your strong hands and prevent opponents from exploiting your passive play.
3. Consider Overbetting When You Have The "Nut Advantage"
When you have the nut advantage, meaning your range includes the strongest possible hands, overbetting can be an effective strategy. This is particularly useful on boards that favor your range over your opponent's.
For example, if you raise preflop from late position and the flop comes Q-J-T, you have a nut advantage because your opponent should never have AK, QQ, JJ, or TT. You can use this to your advantage by overbetting with strong hands and bluffs, generating maximum fold equity and value from your value bets.
4. Check-Raising From The Big Blind
Playing too passively from the big blind is a common mistake made by many players. To combat this, you need to check-raise with most of your strong hands, while balancing your range with draws.
This will make it difficult for your opponent to predict your range and adjust their play accordingly. By being balanced, you'll extract maximum value from your strong hands and prevent opponents from exploiting your passive play.
5. Backdoor Draws: The Key To Success
Backdoor draws are a powerful tool in poker, allowing you to win with both the strongest possible hand and a weaker draw. These types of draws require patience, discipline, and a deep understanding of probability and psychology.
To master backdoor draws, you need to understand how to balance your range with strong hands and bluffs, while also being aware of your opponent's likely ranges and betting patterns.
Mastering advanced poker strategies is crucial for any serious player looking to improve their game. By incorporating these five techniques into your game, you'll be able to outmaneuver opponents and increase your chances of winning.
Remember to stay patient, disciplined, and adaptable, as these are essential qualities for a successful poker player. With practice and dedication, you can master these pro-level techniques and take your poker game to the next level.
Recommended Reading
- 5 Tips for Playing Backdoor Flush & Straight Draws
- How to Check-Raise Like a High Stakes Juggernaut
- The Starting Hands That Make the Most Money in Multiway Pots
- 3 Strategies to Help You Win After Calling a 3-Bet
- 8 Rules to Help You Choose the Perfect Bet Size
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