If you're having a hard time beating amateur poker players, it's probably because you're thinking too hard. If you are the best player at the table, play it simple, take advantage of the opportunities you get, and let the enemy make mistakes. We've put together some great ideas for winning poker games against the amateurs. Read on for this article and get ready to play!
Step
Method 1 of 10: Play to win, not to hone
Step 1. Hone your skills when playing with more advanced people, not when playing with amateurs
Less proficient players don't challenge and don't force you to develop like you would against advanced players. Instead of trying to hone your skills against amateurs, focus on playing aggressively for a bigger chance of winning. This may seem a bit tedious – but if winning is your priority while playing, this is the best way to achieve it.
Think of it this way – you will be helping them become more proficient poker players if you play seriously
Method 2 of 10: Diagnosing the opponent's playing style
Step 1. Recognize passive or aggressive play styles after a few rounds
Amateur poker players usually fall into two types: too aggressive or too passive. Aggressive players bet too much, bet too often, and are too confident with the cards in their hands. Passive players check and fold too often, and only bet when they get really good cards. Amateur players are also not very good at hiding their playing style so you can easily guess their playing style.
Play it safe on multiple rounds while watching which players try to control the game. After knowing the playing style of each opponent, use a playing style that suits their weaknesses
Method 3 of 10: Don't overestimate your opponent's abilities
Step 1. Don't think too hard when an amateur is doing something
The player usually gives up easily, raises the stakes carelessly, and draws cards recklessly through his own fault – not because he has a particular strategy in mind. Of course, you shouldn't underestimate a skilled opponent and should assume his every move is part of an elaborate scheme or strategy. However, when dealing with amateur players, there is no need to treat them like experienced players who are just pretending to be stupid.
Can amateur players fool you once in a while? May be. However, he does not have the poker skills to play at the highest level. The weakness of this player is usually easy to identify so that it can be used to defeat him
Method 4 of 10: Play one level above them
Step 1. There is no need to cast an "A" move if a "C" move is enough to defeat the enemy
Think of it this way: an NBA star wouldn't use complicated tricks to beat high school kids at a game of basketball. The risk of losing due to playing too pretty is much greater than the prize, even though playing normally is enough to win. If you come up with the best strategy against amateur players, you run the risk of hurting yourself and losing instead of winning the game easily.
- Save the best poker strategy that you have designed in such a way to fight other skilled players. Use simple strategies that are more consistent and appropriate to beat lower-level players.
- Just like NBA players, you may feel bored and embarrassed when you beat other players at the amateur level. However, this is the easiest and most efficient way to win. Remember, winning is your main goal here.
Method 5 of 10: Play it safe every round
Step 1. Use basic poker strategy
This is not the time to try out unique betting strategies or play against the smaller odds. However, calculate your odds of winning carefully based on the cards in your hand and the stakes. Your ability to calculate odds, take advantage of great opportunities, and avoid mistakes will make you win more often.
Don't think that you can win when you get bad cards just because you are better than other players. When the cards (and the odds) aren't great, don't push yourself. Play it safe and let your opponent make mistakes
Method 6 of 10: Bet a little more conservatively
Step 1. Bet moderately and let your opponent make a betting mistake
This doesn't mean that you have to bet small amounts when you get a good hand. However, bet based on the cards you get and the situation. Just make sure you lean more towards conservative, not aggressive. Give your opponent a little more "freedom" space so that the opponent feels more confident or feels like he has an opportunity. Make them raise the stakes rashly or give up at the wrong time for a win.
Don't be tempted to place big bets so that amateur opponents can be defeated quickly. This just invites unnecessary risk. Play consistently and carefully, and use your betting skills and poker playing skills to win
Method 7 out of 10: Stay calm when you lose
Step 1. Keep believing that your skills will beat the luck of amateur players
Yes, it's really annoying to lose when you get good cards and good odds just because the amateur opposite you got a pair of aces. However, that's poker! Forget your losses and focus on the next round. Your opponent's luck may give him more confidence and he will actually make a lot of mistakes as you continue to play carefully.
Don't expect to keep winning against amateur players – this is common in poker. You may lose a few times, but you can also win more often if you stay calm and focused
Method 8 out of 10: Let aggressive players act rashly
Step 1. Play with his emotions and let him self-destruct
Aggressive amateur players are easy to spot: these players bet too much and too often. He feels able to control the game even though he gets bad cards. Fight this type of player by playing more consistently and calmly in each round and let him destroy himself.
He may be trying to get you to play more aggressively: "Come on, if you're such a good gamer, why are you afraid to bet with me?" Don't fall into this trap
Method 9 out of 10: Play as usual against passive amateurs
Step 1. Don't play too slow or play too aggressively
Passive amateur players call too often instead of raising or re-raising bets when they get good cards. You may be tempted to play more aggressively so that he is overwhelmed, or to play slower when you get good cards so that he plays more aggressively. Both strategies are wrong – focus on playing your own way.
In contrast to aggressive players who usually self-destruct and go bankrupt more quickly, beating passive amateurs usually requires you to be patient to take advantage of their mistakes little by little. Don't play in a hurry to win
Method 10 out of 10: Give advice only after you win
Step 1. Don't help your opponent get better and beat you in the middle of the game
You may be tempted to give amateur players advice – such as saying “You should have raised the stake earlier” – when playing casually. However, if winning is the top priority, save your advice until the game is over. Give some tips when you are not playing with money at stake.
- In more serious matches, sometimes you can also unknowingly give amateur players "covert advice" by commenting on their mistakes, such as "Why did you give up, even though your cards are good?!" Try to refrain from making positive or negative comments during the game.
- Your goal should be a priority. If you're playing with friends and want to help them improve while maintaining a win, it's okay to help them out a bit. However, if your goal is to beat the less proficient players, focus on your main goal – their chip stack!