Are you tired of losing while playing Texas Holdem Poker online? When we play online poker we all expect to be big winners. We have all read the stories and have seen the online players go on to become big time money winners in the biggest event of all - The World Series of Poker. Unfortunately, when most beginners start out they end up losing money. Then in an effort to win back what they have lost, they end up losing even more. So, how do you avoid becoming like most beginners? If you are in the midst of a big losing streak, how do you get to playing winning poker? Well…



The first thing that I would do is to completely analyze my game to find out what I am doing wrong. Ask yourself questions such as:









Am I playing way too many hands?

Am I paying attention to how the others at the table are betting?

Do I play aggressively? Passively?

Does my position at the table influence what I do at the poker table?

Am I playing at the correct limits for my skill level?



We are going to take a look at these questions one at a time. But beware; the answer to winning is in all of these. Don’t just take one of the suggestions and incorporate it. Use all of it. Why? Because it will work for you.



Am I playing way too many hands?



Simply put, you may be playing too many hands. Start by tightening up and playing only the absolute best hands. I would recommend that you only play AA, KK, A-K, QQ. Then when you start to win with these hands slowly introduce other hands into your game. Add JJ first. When you are successful with JJ then add 10-10 and so on.



Am I paying attention to how the others at the table are betting?



The answer here is simple. Pay attention. Does your opponent in seat #1 always bet no matter what they have? Are they super tight and only play the best hands? Do they just call? A lot can be learned about what types of players are at the table and what type of hands they may have just by simple observation.



Do I play aggressively? Passively?



Aggression is rewarded in Texas Holdem Poker. Being a passive player and only calling bets usually means that you are being a generous donor to the others at the table. Playing aggressively does not mean playing every hand and betting. It means playing the best hands and playing them aggressively. Typically a bet will force opponents with weak hands to fold. You don’t want players hanging around to see a flop for free. Don’t give them the opportunity to connect with it and beat your hand. The fewer the number of players in the hand the greater the value of your already powerful hand.



Does my position at the table influence what I do at the poker table?



Beware of your position at the table. When you are seated in late position you have the advantage of seeing how the others act. If you are seated in early position you have no information on how your opponent has acted and how strong their hand may be. I’d recommend playing hands cautiously in early position.



Am I playing at the correct limits for my skill level?



The higher the limits, the better the competition tends to be. There is nothing wrong with dropping down from say, playing $1/$2 blinds to .50/$1 or even less and then working your way up when you feel comfortable. If you feel the need, then play at the free tables a little. Remember though, you’ll have a tendency to play differently for free than when real money is at stake.



So to recap our strategy to get you on the winning path:

1 - Play only the best hands and then add other hands as you begin to win.

2 - Pay attention and learn about your opponents.

3 - Play the hands that you do play aggressively.

4 - Use your position at the table to your advantage as well as assessing hand strength.

5 - Drop down in the limits that you are currently playing and if necessary spend some time at the free tables.



These are all simple steps that you can immediately incorporate into your game to get you on the winning path. Follow them and you can be a successful Texas Holdem Poker player.

By: Michael Vall

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Michael Vall is the webmaster of Texas Holdem Poker Tips and Strategy - A Complete Strategy Guide and Tips for Texas Holdem Poker, Online Casino and Poker Room Reviews.