Tips to Enhance your Poker Game

I get a lot of questions regarding how poker players can improve and / or enhance their poker game. Most of these questions are regarding No Limit Hold'em so I will stay focused on that particular game. Now I do realize that everyone learns differently. However, I still have to deliver the information and you can parse it as you see fit. Over the years I have heard a number of professional poker players say that they simply learned from playing. To me that translates into losing a lot of money before you finally figure out what you are doing. That can be costly over a couple of years or so as you gradually increase your skill set and understanding of the game. There is a lot of truth to the fact that you cannot teach experience. However, you can avoid many fundamental mistakes that can be costly by doing a few things to enhance your poker game and overall poker mind set. Here are a few things to consider:

First, read as many books on the game from successful players as possible. I know many players hate to read but with the information available today both online and in printed form you would be ill advised to pass on such resources. By learning from other players losing scenarios and listening to them detail their mistakes in articles and books you are saving money. It's hard to argue when the knowledge you are acquiring is helping you to maintain your bankroll and grow it.

Second, watch as much video as you can digest. Whether you are watching cash game sessions or poker tournament sessions you will take in a great deal of useful information while analyzing the pros play on video. I like to write down notes and then watch the video a second or even third time to be sure that I have a grasp on what the player was trying to accomplish. You would be surprised at how often your thinking is in line with the pros after a while. Cash games are a different story but that post can wait for another day.

Lastly, talk about the game with players you respect. You have got to bounce ideas off of people that are going to tell you the truth. The most important thing is that whomever you discuss your game with should ideally be a better player than you and just as good as you at worst. Talking high level in-depth concepts with a poker player that does not understand poker strategy to the n'th degree does you no good unless you are in the mood for teaching.

As with most things you will get out of the game what you put into it. Play the game as often live as you can and gather as much information as possible along the way. That is the best formula for success that I know of.

Oh! A little talent doesn't hurt either.