Texas Holdem Ring Games & Tournament Strategy

The Texas Holdem poker game, the most commonly played community poker, is available either as a tournament game or in a ring game, the tournaments. A tournament game will use tournament chips that are worthless outside of it, but a ring game uses real money or cash. In a ring game, the ante or betting rate remains constant and players can cash in or out of the game after each poker hand. A ring or cash game for Texas Holdem will either be a fixed-limit or a no-limit game. A fixed-limit game will have a bet of fixed amount while a no-limit game will have a bet of variable amount depending on the betting player.

Players can choose between a fixed-limit and a no-limit in between games. The strategy to remember when playing a cash game is to be mindful if the game being played will be changed from a no-limit to a fixed-limit game or vice versa. This is because no-limit players will be too aggressive in a fixed-limit game while a fixed limit player will be too passive in a no-limit game. Playing in a game that is not your cup of tea is not recommended.

Another strategy when playing in a fixed-limit cash game is to bluff more often. Since betting is more controlled in a fixed-limit cash game, taking risks such as bluffing may be more advantageous to the player than when they decide to remain within their comfort zone.

Playing in cash games also requires adopting a loose playing strategy unlike the tight playing strategy in poker tournament games. Since the betting rate remains constant throughout the game, a loose playing style will not only be your ticket to winning but will also let you enjoy your game.

A strategy that you can use is to look out for cues of when to play aggressive. You will know that you have a fair chance of winning when you get a combination or a suit pair of ace, king, queen or jack as your starting hand. Also, having suited cards are always better than non-suited cards because you can have a chance to win with a straight of higher rank.

Armed with the knowledge of how your cards will fare, strategize in reading your opponent. You can not call or raise a bet without any assurance that you have an even slight advantage over your betting opponent.In live poker games Never look at the face because there are professional players that are poker faced who can deceive you. Instead, observe the body movements to know if he is upset or not with his cards.

In addition to keen powers of observation, choose to be the last player during card dealing. You will have the advantage of reading the other players as they receive their hole cards. By the time that it is your turn to receive your hole cards, they will be so busy studying their hand that they may forget to observe your reaction while receiving your cards. Throughout the poker game, you will have the advantage to call or fend-off a bluff.