It may sound like a cliché, but knowing your opponent is as important as knowing your game. Study their betting habits - how much, when, and in what position - and make notes using the Player Notes feature in our Poker Room. Plus you might pick up some interesting information and gossip on other players in the Live Chatroom.
2. Play for fun first
You shouldn’t have to blow your bankroll while you learn the ropes. That’s why we at Hansa Poker let you spend as long as you like perfecting your game on our play money tables. When you’re ready to play for real money, remember to start slowly and build your game - don’t rush headlong into those high-stakes games!
3. Be unpredictable
Subtle changes to your style of play can yield huge rewards. And, if you don’t mix up your game, your opponents will learn to second-guess you before too long. Tight players can quickly become easy opponents, so don’t always play the same types of hands, and remember to make subtle use of the bluff. Aimed carefully, it can be a killer weapon, but bluff too often and other players will soon start calling you on it…
4. Know when to bet
The key to holding onto your stack is knowing when to bet, and when to fold. There are many factors to consider apart from the strength of your hand. Position plays a crucial role: if you’re on the button, for example, you have the luxury of seeing the rest of the betting action before you have to act. Sometimes it also pays to use tactical betting: either defensively to avoid a bigger bet later, or aggressively to test how much faith an opponent really has in their own hand.
5. Know the value of your hand
However much you want to get in on the action, don’t be tempted to play too many hands – and don’t overestimate the value of your starting hand. Stick to playing high value hands as much as possible. (Check out our comprehensive hand rankings if you’re not sure). And don’t make the common mistake of putting the value of a couple of suited cards above that of high-ranking cards or pairs in your starting hand.
