Whether you’re playing free poker online or at the money tables, the achievements you have will be linked to how well you can use psychological tactics to your advantage. The free online poker games can turn out to be decent money making buy in games and competitions further on.
Psychological tactics in poker ensures you have the advantage; this can be the difference between going home empty handed and taking the pot.
If you’re going to win the money, psychology is as important as position at the table, the odds and percentages involved in making a hand, knowing how to price the pot, or running a trap.
There are 2 main points to consider when using psychological tactics; clever surveillance and general intellect. Psychological tactics also form the basis of bluffing and also the platform for playing the salesman. These same essential tactics work at either end of the spectrum- whether it’s a friendly game with some friends at the weekend or at a large stake table gambling for thousands.
I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that a massive part of playing poker and using psychological tactics is to know your opponents. If you’re playing with strangers it’s key to start observing them to notice their patterns and how they play. Once you have a grasp into the mindset of your opponents you can make decisions on your hand even before the second turn of the cards. By understanding your opponent’s strategy forms the foundations of an astute poker player.
Here appearances count for everything, neighbour, what they say is true: a man’s eyes mirror his soul.
There are many signs and bodily giveaways or as the pros call it- tells. An opponent could start becoming a ‘chatter box’ if they hold good cards. Another example could be if a player seems restless to get into the action or a different opponent could become silent if they’re holding decent cards.
If you were playing against me however you wouldn’t know the cards I was holding as I maintain a consistent level of conversation. I also enjoy playing the fool- as the tells of most novice or standard players have is remarkable. For instance I wouldn’t give you a dime to look at these players cards and call them out. As they would have inevitably by now told me by their body language what they’re holding.
Many of the psychological tips you have learnt in this article will only have an impact in face to face games as you will physically need to read their actions i.e. not being able to maintain eye contact. Others however can be applied to the free online poker world too, such as a change in characteristics of an opponent such as a chatter box falling silent through instant chat. Other similar philosophy applies to both the real and online world- another example could be the speed of their play drastically changing. Hopefully from this you will start thinking more during your games and live by the saying- think your way to victory!
