Online poker is not just a card game where the winner is determined by luck. In fact, it is a game where strategy, tactics and psychological attitude all play a key role. For many beginners, poker is just excitement mixed with adrenaline. However, if you want to actually improve and win in the long run, then you need to learn to understand the mechanics and strategies of poker.
In this article, we will tell you how to master the basic principles and build your own tactics for a successful game.
Poker Strategies Based on Stack Size
First, it is important to understand how your stack size affects your strategy. The basis of any decision in any given situation is the effective stack. For example, if your opponent has 100 BB and you have 70 BB, then in this situation the effective stack will be 70 BB – the smaller of the two.
BB (Big Blinds) is a unit of measurement of the stack size in poker. One BB is the mandatory bet made by the player sitting after the small blind before the hand starts.
When people refer to stack sizes in the number of BBs, they basically mean the number of chips in the stack devided by the size of a big blind. For example, if you have 70 chips and the big blind is 10, then your stack is 7 BBs.
The effective stack is the smallest stack among the players in the hand, and you base youe strategy on the effective stack. For example, if you have 70 BB and your opponent has 100 BB, then the effective stack is 70 BB, which limits your options.
Short Stack Strategy
When you or your opponent have a few chips left, you don’t want to waste time on complex tactical maneuvers. In such situations, every bet is important, and you often have to go all-in or fold. In tournaments, when you have less than 20 BB left, the so-called “push-fold” strategy is the only reasonable option. The idea is that you play your whole range of hands as a shove or a fold.
Interestingly enough, in cash games some players intentionally join the tables with short stacks and disable the auto-rebuy option. Against this guys it is often not reasonable to raise or isolate with weaker hands, so people just shove decent hands right away.
However, it is worth remembering that in the early 2000s, the short stack strategy (SSS) was popular, when players with 20 BBs were looking to double up quickly. This strategy helped to quickly build up the bankroll, but it has since become outdated. Modern poker rooms do not allow buy-ins below 40 BBs, and strong players have long learned to play effectively with full stacks.
Average Stack Strategy
The average stack (100 BB) is the ideal amount that allows you to build your strategy flexibly. This stack allows you to realize the potential of a wide range of hands without risking too much. At this stack level, it is important for you to consider stack to pot ratio (SPR), which also affects your strategy, especially postflop.
In tournaments, as a rule, at the 60 BB – 20 BB stage, players begin to switch to push-fold. Later in the tournament, chips become less valuable as the blinds increase, and strategy changes depending on how many chips you and your opponents have left.
Deep Stack Strategy
When the effective stack is significantly higher than 100BB, this is considered a deep stack game. In these situations, the absolute strength of your starting hands decreases and their playability on later streets becomes more important. For example, suited connectors and weak pairs can bring much more money when you hit the board.
If you have a deep stack in a late stage of the tournament, you can afford to be aggressive by pushing fold equity – you can bet big to force your opponents to fold, or use big bets to put a lot of pressure on them.
Basic Strategies for Playing Texas Hold’em Poker
When playing Texas Hold’em, it is important to understand that poker is not only about the cards you have in your hand, but also how you build your strategy depending on the type of opponents. The main styles of play can be divided into several types, each of which has its own characteristics.
Tight-Aggressive (TAG)
Players of this style prefer to play narrow ranges, but at the same time make aggressive bets and raises. Their strategy is to put pressure on opponents with strong holdings and the ability to read hands. Experienced players who know when to be aggressive often use this style.
Loose-Aggressive (LAG)
This style is more risky and focuses on aggressive play with wide ranges. It is suitable for those who are not afraid to take risks, but it is important to understand that this style often leads to big losses if not handled properly. In the LAG category, there are two types of players: maniacs (playing very wide ranges) and more balanced players who know how to counteract aggression.
Tight-Passive
Beginners who approach each hand very cautiously often choose this style. They play very narrow ranges, but often call instead of betting or raising. At the extreme, this style turns people into so-called nits, who play strong hands only, but are often quite predictable.
Loose-Passive
This style is typical for players who play too wide, but do not show aggression. They often call bets, but do not bet large amounts themselves. “Whales” are players of this style who slowly but surely lose chips.
Balanced
This style combines elements of TAG and LAG, giving the player more flexibility. To be successful with this style, you need to understand how to play in each specific situation, correctly combining aggression with cautious plays.
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