Poker Tip
Phil Gordon
April 4, 2005
In an effort to simplify my decisions, every single time
it's my turn to act, I try to run through the same
script in my head:
Are my opponents playing conservatively?
Aggressively? Tentatively?
What are some of the hands my opponents are
likely to hold?
What do my opponents think I have?
Once I have the answer to the first question, and feel
confident about my range of answers for the second and
third questions, I move on to the most important
question:
Should I bet or raise?
If I think I have the best hand, I nearly always answer
"Yes" and I bet or raise.
If I think I can force weak opponents out of the pot
with this bet or with future bets, I nearly always
answer "Yes" and I bet or raise.
If I don't think betting or raising is the right
decision, I move on to the last question:
Should I check (or fold)?
If I think I have the worst hand, I nearly always answer
"Yes" and I check or fold.
If I think my opponents are strong, I nearly always
answer "Yes" and check or fold.
After a careful analysis, if I'm not sure if I should
raise and I'm not sure I should fold, I feel confident
that calling a bet (or checking) is correct.
I find that even in straight-forward and obvious
situations, by running through the script I often find
opportunities that other players might miss.
And by asking the "raise" question before the "fold" and
"call" question, I ensure that I am playing aggressive,
winning poker.
Try using this script next time you sit
down at the table, and see if simplifying your inner
dialog forces your opponents into making more
complicated decisions.
Phil Gordon
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