Editor's note: Alf Musketa has been with VegasInsider.com for over eight seasons. Mr. Musketa is a well recogonized handicapper in Las Vegas that puts his money where his mouth is. If you're looking for the Vegas edge, then check out Musketa.
Be sure to view Alf's winning picks in all of the following sports.
Pro Football | College Football | Golf | Auto Racing
Hello Poker Players! I am very happy to be part of the "New" VegasInsider.com Poker Room. I look forward to possibly playing with you in the future.
I firmly believe that there are only three Casino games that one can make a decent living gambling. Sports betting is a given. I would rank horse racing third, because it took me two years to show a profit and the other is of course, poker. When I first moved to Las Vegas I spent six to 10 hours a day playing poker. Now, I spend 10 to 15 hours a day handicapping sports. During my off-season, I play mostly on-line Hold'em and Seven Card Stud tournaments and satellites.
The game of poker has EXPLODED all over the world! ESPN and the World Poker Tour brought in "lipstick cameras" and now there is poker on television every night of the week. Have you noticed that the favorite hand rarely holds up? I suspect that the programming network shows many of these hands to get the average person watching saying to himself, " Hmm, I could win with that hand," or " why did he bluff there he has no chance."
Before the Internet, live poker games were tough to beat. Sure, I won my share of local tournaments and played in a few World Series events (not the main event) but never cashed against the best in the world. Now with the click of a mouse you can play versus anyone, anywhere, anytime, thanks to on-line Poker Rooms.
Poker rooms are kind of like sportsbooks. My experience is that, it pays to shop around and find a good poker game. Texas Hold'em is by far the game of choice and I'd like to share a few internet poker secrets/tips that might help your play at the tables.
1. As I mentioned, find a game that works for you. Start by shopping for a poker room that has good graphics, easy to read cards and friendly players.
2. You can then shop the tables at that room. It never hurts to watch a few hands or chart the table before you jump in.
3. If there is a lot of "raising"going on in that game, then it is wiser to find a game where the majority checks to the initial bettor. Sure, there is nothing like finding a "wild and loose" on-line game and bust it wide open with solid cards, but when more than one player is raising you'll probably get drawn out and the game can become frustrating.
4. In Texas Hold'em games position is key. Play stronger hands in earlier position, (to the left of the dealer button) and you may play weaker hands in late position. By stronger hands I mean 9-10 suited or higher.
5. Small pairs are some of the worst cards to play. If you can see the flop for just the cost of the blind, play the hand. If someone raises, chances are they hold very high cards and or a stronger pair than you, I suggest you fold. If you don't make trips after the flop, check and if someone bets get out of the pot.
6. Straights and Flushes. You'll lose more money in Texas Hold'em than any other poker game chasing a straight. Also, if there are two cards to a flush on the flop do not chase a straight. Even if you make it, the flush is a greater odds play and will beat you every time. Many low-limit and amateur players play any two flush cards. This can be dangerous and costly. I recommend 9-10 or higher suited cards.
7. Bluffing. In on-line games there is a lot of bluffing going on. Unless, you know your opponent very well, call with top pair or better heads up. There are two times when bluffing is most effective. First, when all the cards are out and you have not made a good hand, bluffing is your only hope to steal the pot. Second, when there are cards to come and you have for example an open ended straight or a flush draw, betting or raising here which is called a "semi-bluff", may win you the pot right then and there.
8. Don't feel cheap to play in a lower limit game. The best game for you is the one that you beat consistently. Try climbing the ladder of limits. If you beat the $2-$4 Hold'em game move up to the $3-$6 game. Try the $5-$10 next and if you lose a session, go back down to the $3-$6 game etc.
9. Your goal in poker should be to make money. Many poker players can get caught forcing to win pots instead of cash. Sometimes it pays to be patient and win the big one.
See, you at the Poker Room.
