Poker’s a wild ride. One hand, you’re on top of the world, and on the next, you’re wondering what just hit you. If you want to actually make money at this game instead of just donating to better players, you need more than luck.
I’ve been grinding poker tables for years, and I can tell you that the difference between winners and losers isn’t about getting better cards. It’s about strategy. Real, tested strategies that work whether you’re playing at your buddy’s kitchen table or diving into online poker.
Let me break down five approaches that’ll actually move the needle for your game.
Bluffing (But Not Like an Idiot)
Everyone thinks they know how to bluff. They don’t.
Most people bluff way too much, at terrible times, against the wrong players. I’ve watched countless players try to bluff some calling station who’d call with pocket deuces on a king-high board. It’s painful to watch.
Want to bluff effectively? Pick your spots. Target the tight players — you know, the ones who fold anything that isn’t the nuts. These folks will actually believe you when you represent strength.
I remember this one session where I watched this guy try to bluff the same loose player three times in twenty minutes. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. The loose player called him down with middle pair every single time.
Save your bluffs for when they’ll actually work.
Position Is Everything (Seriously)
If you’re not paying attention to position, you’re basically playing poker with a blindfold on.
Late position is gold. You get to see what everyone else does before you act. It’s like having a crystal ball, except it actually works.
Last week, I was in a game where this new player kept raising from early position with garbage hands. He’d get called by three people and then have no idea what to do post-flop. Meanwhile, I’m sitting in the cutoff, picking up pots with well-timed raises because I could see the weakness before acting.
Early position, tighten up. You’re flying blind, so don’t get fancy with marginal hands.
The Math Actually Matters
I know, I know. Math isn’t sexy. But pot odds will save your bankroll more than any fancy move ever will.
Here’s a simple example that happened to me last month: Pot’s got $80 in it, opponent bets $20. I need to call $20 to win $100, so I’m getting 5-to-1 odds. My flush draw hits about 19% of the time on the river. Since 19% is better than the 17% I need to break even, it’s an easy call.
Most players just go with their gut. That’s fine if you enjoy losing money long-term.
Read the Room (And Adjust)
Every table’s different. Some nights you’ll sit with rocks who only play aces. Other nights it’s like a slot machine convention — everyone’s gambling it up.
Against tight players, steal their blinds all day. They’re folding everything but premium hands, so take advantage.
Against loose players, tighten up and let them pay you off when you actually have something. I’ve made more money from one maniac at a loose table than from six tight players combined.
This is especially true in online poker, where the dynamics can shift quickly. Players come and go, and you need to adjust on the fly.
Don’t Tilt (Easier Said Than Done)
We’ve all been there. You get your aces cracked by some donkey who called your raise with 7-2 offsuit and hit two pair. Your blood pressure spikes, and suddenly you’re playing every hand like it’s your last.
That’s tilt, and it’s a bankroll killer. Set loss limits before you play. Stick to them. I don’t care if you think the game’s soft or you’re “due” for a heater. When you hit your stop-loss, walk away.
Phil Hellmuth has made millions at poker, but his tantrums are legendary for a reason. Even great players lose money when emotions take over.
The Bottom Line
Poker isn’t about getting lucky. It’s about making better decisions than your opponents, hand after hand, session after session.
These five strategies won’t turn you into Phil Ivey overnight. But they’ll give you a real edge over the recreational players who make up most of your competition.
Whether you’re grinding live games or playing online poker, stick to these fundamentals. Your future self will thank you when you’re counting profits instead of wondering where your money went.
Remember: Poker’s a skill game disguised as gambling. Treat it that way, and you’ll do just fine.
