Surviving Small Sit-n-Gos in Texas Hold'em

Follow this and you'll make it in small stake sit-n-go Texas Hold'em games.

First, use position to steal blinds. Always be stealing blinds. Like what Alec Baldwin said in Glengarry Glen Ross, "Always be closing." In other words, stop pussy footing around and get that money quick.

Second, if someone else is in the game (even a limp), don't play unless you've got a solid hand. Look at our chart to help you out. If it's not on that chart don't play. JUST PLAY SOLID.

Third, listen to music and draw yourself away from the game. Do emails or homework, anything to get your mind off the game. This stops you from getting too deep and tilting your game.

Fourth, remember your players. Not rocket science or deep analysis, but pay attention to what they do, how they bet, when they fold, and who is weak. Your money will come from the left (the weaker players) when they're folding to your nut hand.

Fifth, at the bubble, get aggressive. Get mad, get crazy. Many times (especially in small games) you're dealing with conservative, tight asses. You stir the pot, they move away. They think you're crazy and they get scared. They hold onto their pennies. Repeat step one. Kill that bitch.

That's all I have to say.

For more information follow me at @pokercinch or email me at snailderail@gmail.com.

Don't Bluff

Alright, you get it, don't bluff. Now are you calling my bluff not to bluff?

Actually there is some truth be told in the post title. Truth is it depends on the game of poker where you shouldn't bluff. For games like limit hold'em, it's always best not to bluff. Bluffing can cause a huge financial problem especially if you're not good a bluffing. Many times limit hold'em games allow many players to limp in, allowing more showdowns. The main reason why you'll see more limit games at casinos is simply because players have control over their actions and they know that there's a betting cap per round - overall they know someone can't go all in at anytime, which makes things easier on weaker players. Casinos capitalize on this because they've noticed that more players will put more money into a conservative game rather than a loose game, like no-limit, making the rake bigger. Bastards.

So for limit hold'em, especially house games where you have that favorite friend who loves to play sheriff, don't bluff. But hey, this is poker, so we've established a little system of when you should bluff and when you shouldn't:

When to bluff:

1. Bluff when the pot looks dead to everyone. This is where your Mike Caro voodoo mind tricks come in. First check the atmosphere of the table. If everyone looks like they're going to fold, drop in a bet to see how much they'll bite. To lower this risk, make sure the pot is small. Many times these little bully wins will add up to a heavy stack of chips to use down the road.

2. Bluff when you're up against some rocks (the super conservative players who only stay and play with premium starting hands). You'll always have one or two. If you're going to push the pot around, make sure you're bouncing that energy against these guys. But obviously if they decide to stay, you better decide to fold.

3. Bluff when you've got to make a move. Hey, sometimes the chips are down and the tournament's about to up the blinds that'll kill your stack. If you're going to bluff, now is the time to do it. I understand a chip is always a chair, but come on, if you're down to a few bucks, get a pair and go for it. The river always surprises even the best of us.

4. Bluff on position. If you haven't read our post on positions, then now's the time. In poker your position gets you a massive advantage, especially in your late positions or even button positions. Tournament play usually follows the bully on the button. If you're going to bluff, get into a position to steal some blinds. If you're a few seats to the right of those rocks, even better. Worst that can happen you lose a small bet and fold.

In regards to all that big bluffing strategy they showcase on ESPN is exactly that, a showcase. That isn't how it is in the real world. Besides not showing bluffs and big hands, poker can get really boring to watch - they only show those clips to keep you watching. Don't be fooled by the camera, those big plays are just for show. Stick to solid playing and bluff when the timing is right.

Be sure to follow me @pokercinch or email me at snailderail@gmail.com for more information.

Starting Hands

If you are not selective regarding your starting hands you are going to lose money. That there is a simple fact.

Below is a video demonstrating the percentage of winning per starting hand.

For best practice try not to consider playing all hands. As the video above shows, your percentage of winning dramatically changes according to the hand you play.

Now not all the time will these percentages will fall in your favor, so to provide you another tool to help you succeed in poker we've attached a chart regarding the hands you play according to the position you're in during a game.

Credit to theonlinepokerbible.com

To build on your poker skill set it's best to memorize this chart for any game you play. This chart is also useful for home games but many professionals will survive and flourish based off their starting hand and position. Be sure to check out our poker position post for more information regarding positions and terminology.

Be sure to follow me at @pokercinch or email me at snailderail@gmail.com for more information.