Raise the Stakes Poker

So, we have talked about some of the reasons why you should bet, and win, but please believe me when I say that there is an entire spectrum of other reasons. By familiarizing yourself with them, you come one step closer to intuitively knowing exactly when it is time for you to bet — successfully, of course.

You need to bet — and/or raise, depending on the situation — in order to narrow the playing field. Say, for instance, that you are caught in a hand filled with four way action. You have two pairs but within the draw, there are possibilities for both a straight and a flush. You need to try to make the player just behind you raise while on the turn. You can then raise; if this happens, then you are basically blocking the other players from calling.

In the preflop, if a player raises in the blind but does not look at his or her hand, you can also narrow the field.

Casual players, newbs, card sharks, hustlers, and poker buddies — it’s just like the blog says: it’s all about knowing how, when, and where to raise the stakes.  If you don’t, you’re going to lose a whole lot of money, point blank, no joke.  So, for the next couple of weeks, we are going to discuss the finer points of raising the stakes in your game.  That way, whether you’re playing for high stakes, no limits, whether you’re playing Texas Hold ‘Em or Omaha, you will have your opponents on the run.

Why do you raise and bet in poker? You want more chips juicing up that pot. You want to drive your competitors out of the game. You want to get as much information as possible. You want to be able to bluff. You want to get yourself a free card whenever possible. And, of course, you want more chips juicing up that pot.

That is why you bet. That is why you raise. Throughout the following weeks, you’re going to see just how you can do that. You are going to be sly. You are going to be calculating. You are going to be the player. You are going to win.

When you think you have the guts and skills for the high limit tables, you might be playing with a blind structure that starts at $15/$30 to as high as $1000/ $2000.

High limit poker can bring in the money to your pockets if you are a good player. It takes time and a lot of practice before a beginner braves the boards of the high rollers.

Luck may play a role but skills spells winning or losing. Here are some strategies you may want to try:

Play with No Fear

At high limit tables, most players have no fear in going for what they think and feel is good. If you think you can’t handle the pressure then walk away since you are not yet ready for this kind of games. The skills that you have developed through out your gaming or gambling career will help you to play with gusto, fire, and confidence in high limit poker.

Be Consistent with Your Basics

Like in basketball, you let the game come to you. There will be nights that nothing happens right. You should know when to call it a day. You should know when to pound it hard. Do not let the money factor ruin the game.

Keep a Very Good Eye

Playing the high limit poker games require the selectiveness that you can draw out from your skills and gut feel. You need to know what time of the day is best for you to play, know which table suits you, and which hands will be good for you. Expect that everyone on the table will be very aggressive, and you control this by being very selective at all times.

What better way to start off this blog than with HIGH STAKES players Sam Farha and Patrik Antonius playing a million dollar pot, both hardly holding a hand.

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