Adjusting to the Pre-Flop All-In

Recently I’ve discussed (several times) my frustration with pre-flop all-in’s. While it is completely annoying, I’ve got to admit, it has definitely made me a more defensive and decisive player.

I don’t typically play the cards that other players would play. I never have. I’ve found that this works to my advantage in peculiar ways. Anybody will hold onto an Ace – that’s a given. But how many people would keep a Jack/6? Not many.

While this does mean that some of my out’s can be folded, it also means less chances of a split pot if I win. This has happened more times than not for me!

Additionally, I’ve noticed that most people tend to just “go all in” for the heck of it, never really having a rhyme or reason for it. While occasionally somebody goes all in who does have something valid, I usually play smart enough to not be in too much trouble when this happens. Like any hand, there’s always the chance that you’re going to lose so I’ve found sometimes, I just have to go for it.

This way of playing has transferred over to my offline games, as well. Cards that I always would have held on to, I don’t always now. And cards I NEVER would have considered, I’m taking a second glance at. While I’m still fine tuning my craft in this regard, I’m noticing that I am lasting longer in tournaments then I used to.

Before, I used to make it at least halfway through and occasionally win. Now I’m making it through about the three quarters mark and, well, still occasionally winning.

So, while I’m still not a fan of the “pre-flop all-in”, I’m adjusting; And so is my poker game.