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.
