WDIAV Online Poker FreerollPoker, although considered by the majority a game of luck, is really a game that requires well timed aggression, playing opponents as well as the cards, and an all around skillful approach. This, however, is not known to most players, who do not see the true beauty and delicacy of each hand that is dealt. The average person walks into Las Vegas poker rooms looking to sit down and have a little bit of fun. What these people do not realize is that at these tables, there are “sharks”, waiting for the grand opportunity of having the pleasure of playing with them.

“Poker is not about just playing your hands. It is about playing your opponents.” This quote has become the central idea upon which professional poker players have made their living. The best poker players in the world are like FBI agents. If they sit down with a person with very little knowledge of the game, they can pick this person apart just by observing their actions. A great poker player may even know how another particular player will play, just by observing them before the cards are dealt. Is this person a gambler that will see every pot with marginal hands? Is this person someone who is very passive, who will only play the stone cold nuts? (The absolute best hand) These questions are going through the pro’s minds all the time.

Odds and percentages are very important in the poker world. Rarely will the best poker players get their money in without being even a slight statistical favorite to win the hand. Pot odds are also very important. An example of how a typical poker hand works is if a player has 67 of hearts and calls the big blind. The pot now contains 200 and the flop comes 4 K A with two hearts. Another player in the pot bets 50. What should the player holding 67 do? Some people may call instantly, which is the correct move. However, the average player does this for all the wrong reasons. The reason this is such an easy play is pot odds. It only costs 50 to see a pot of what is now 250. This means there are 5 to 1 odds on putting the money in. There is a 4 ½ to 1 chance that the third heart will come on the next card. The player holding the two hearts now is getting better odds on his money than the chance of hitting his hand. This makes it an easy call. Where the amateur player would go wrong in this situation is if the person betting would have bet the full pot of 200. It now would have cost the player with 67 200 to see a pot of 400. This is only giving this player 2 to 1 on his money. There is, again, only a 4 ½ to 1 chance of hitting the heart so this becomes a bad call fairly quickly. This is just one example of how much skill is involved with every hand played. (Odds and statistics provided by Card Player Magazine)

With a game all about odds and statistics, there are still different approaches to take while playing. There are three main styles people play with in no limit Hold’em tournaments. These styles are the conservative, aggressive, and super aggressive approaches. (Harrington 36) Each style gives the individual player the best way to win based on their skill level. Some of the best professionals in the game play a super aggressive style, as it is the hardest to do. Beginners should stick with the conservative style as it is not as hard to play very good starting hand. (Harrington 38) No matter what the style of the player, one must be dedicated and have knowledge and skill to be successful.

Not all professionals play the same poker games. While Texas Hold’em is known as, “The Cadillac of Poker,” (Brunson, 3) some player prefer other variations of the game. One of the best poker players ever, David “Chip” Reese, would rather put all his money on the line in a Seven Card Stud game. (O’Brien, 16) Reese compares the game to any professional sport, by saying, “You better learn to plug all your leaks or you’ll be broke. If you have one crack in your chain, it will get exploited.” (O’Brien, 17) Chip made a living playing cards from the time he was 21 to his death in 2007. He was a true grinder in the beginning in order to achieve fame and fortune. For a man like this to say how much skill is actually involved in a game that some put off as blind luck, should raise some eyebrows among critics.

Poker is a game that takes mental toughness more than anything else. This is why so many people are able to enjoy it leisurely and fiscally. Men and women of all ages can play. There are no gender or age restrictions. Annette Obrestad has won well over 1 million dollars in poker tournaments and she is 18 years old, while John Bonnetti had done the same at 85. (Bochan) Poker is great because there is no Women’s Poker League. Women and men play together, at the same felt table.

Statistics never lie. The best poker players in the world have statistics to show that their achievements are not because of fate or luck. Daniel Negreanu, who is ranked third in all time tournament winnings at over 9 million dollars, has never won a single prize of more than 2 million. This clearly shows that he has had success in a plethora of poker tournaments over the years. Somebody who gets lucky and wins one tournament can not do this. While luck may play some part in short term success. The best players in the world will always come out ahead in the long run.
An argument has been made that people who try to play poker professionally end up broke. This, unfortunately, is a true statement for some. This is purely because of either not having enough poker skill, or not having good bankroll management. Bankroll management is the key to any successful player. Because luck is a factor in the short term, an intelligent player will not risk their whole bankroll in one game. Some players, however, do make this mistake. Stu Ungar, one of the greatest players in history, had is career and life cut short because of this and other bad decisions involving drugs. Chip Reese stated about Ungar, “He never had any goals for his life. This is why in the end he ultimately failed.” (O’Brien, 65)
Poker is game that can be enjoyed by anybody of any race, age, or gender. But be warned, for every player who is playing to have some fun, there is a player looking to gobble up loads of cash. Anyone can be a good poker player with dedication and determination. Poker can offer riches instantly to anyone, but can also lead to ruin. It is up to good bankroll management, and discipline to keep going playing professional poker. Good luck at the tables and remember, “If you can’t spot the sucker in the first 30 minutes at the table, you are the sucker.” (Rounders)