August
1
I believe in poker the way I believe in the American Dream. Poker is good for you. It enriches the soul, sharpens the intellect, heals the spirit, and - when played well, nourishes the wallet.
Lou Krieger
If Lou Krieger makes a comparison, it’s a good comparison. And again, from where I stand, he’s absolutely right. In poker, it’s all about you and decisions you make. If you are honest with your card, you’ll help your wallet big time.
July
25
In a game of poker, I can put the players’ souls in my pocket.
Beausourire
Newbies play against opponent’s cards, experienced players play against their opponents. Once you can tell the difference, you’ll start winning big time, since luck will no longer be a significant element of your play.
July
18
I’m a poker player. Some might call me a gambler, but I draw a distinction. A gambler plays when the odds are immutable and against him. I don’t. That’s why there is a large coterie of professional poker players, but not a single, solitary, professional roulette or craps player. In poker, good players win and poor players lose.
Lou Krieger
This awesome book writer and professional never missed an opportunity to remind the world that poker is not the same as gambling. The more I play the game, the more I see that he’s right 100%.
July
11
Some pundits say that poker builds character. We’re not so sure of that but we’re absolutely certain of this: Poker reveals character. Poker is a game of money played with cards; it is not a game of pots played with money. It is also a game of skill, not of chance, and players who go at it solely by the seat of their pants stand no more chance of winning at poker than they do at roulette.
Lou Krieger
Lou Krieger keeps reminding the crowds that poker is not a gambler’s game but the game of skill and character. Simply, if you aim the pots, you’ll lose money.
July
4
Hold’em - like life itself - has its defining moment. It’s the flop. When you see the flop, you’re looking at 71 percent of your hand, and the cost is only a single round of betting.
Lou Krieger
Another poker wisdom from Lou Krieger, and if anyone knows the game - it’s him. This is of most importance if you’re involved in Omaha Poker, since only then you’ll know how strong your hand really is.
June
27
The poker player learns that sometimes both science and common sense are wrong; that the bumblebee can fly; that, perhaps, one should never trust an expert; that there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of by those with an academic bent.
David Mamet
David Mamet is absolutely right. When you’re sweating while waiting for the river card to show up, no knowledge or advice can help you.
June
20
The commonest mistake in history is underestimating your opponent; it happens at the poker table all the time.
David Shoup
That’s right. Be careful and take note about other players, see in which group they fit - are they easy folders, aggressive players, common bluffers. Do that, but never underestimate them!
June
13
No one folds a full house, no matter how crappy it may be.
Zeebo
This wisdom is also known as Zeebo’s Theorem, and it’s very true. I lost huge amount of chips and money when I was holding a crappy full house. But, you learn at the end…
Since now you know this theorem, try using it as your advantage!
June
6
Your best chance to get a Royal Flush in a casino is in the bathroom.
Terrence “VP Pappy” Murphy
Well, Royal Flush may hit you from time to time, specially in Omaha Poker, but that’s not something you should chase in your hand. Your chances in bathroom are much higher though.
June
2
How to play it safe and not to lose money in first 10 minutes of play
Many poker players think Omaha Poker is either too easy or too complicated for play, which can’t be more far from the truth. Here are 9 easy to follow tips - sort of a short and simple guide that will give you a good head start in Omaha Poker.
1. Play at micro-stakes tables
No matter how much money you have in your bankroll - you’re an easy meat - specially if you’re playing Omaha Poker for the first time. There are great micro stakes tables on Full Tilt Poker and Poker Stars with $0.01/0.02 blinds that are great for you to gain some experience.
2. Fold Quads and Trips
If you see 3 or 4 aces in your hand, and you think you rock, think again. You may use 2 of 4 hole cards only in Omaha, so if you see Three of a kind or Quads in your hands, just fold without any consideration.
3. Don’t bet pre-flop
You’ll learn, hard way or no way - Omaha hand starts after a flop. If somebody else is raising a dime or two, consider calling. If there are re-raises, just fold.
4. Limp in when it’s cheap
Even the great looking hands in Omaha have only 30% chances of winning (A-K-A-K double suited for example), so if it’s cheap (somebody raises not more then 2 big blinds), feel free to limp in and see the flop.
5. Fold if you miss a flop
Don’t expect your hand to improve on Turn or River. If you miss a flop, fold instantly. There are other players at the table that didn’t miss a flop and are waiting to rob newbies like you.
6. No straight - no go
Look it this way - Two Pair in Omaha is worth as Queen High in Texas Hold’em. Three of a Kind is strong as an Ace High. If you don’t have at least a straight after the flop, or need more than 1 card to complete straight or better, fold.
7. Don’t think they’re bluffing
Don’t get me wrong, people bluff all the time, but until you catch someone red-handed, consider they’re strong. Remember, you are playing against opponent that holds 6 Texas Hold’em hands each time!
8. Bet the nuts only
If at any point of the hand you figure out you’re holding nuts, bet like hell. Maybe they’ll think you’re bluffing.
9. Be patient!
This could be the first rule, or the zero rule, but you won’t believe me anyway. Patience is everything in Omaha Poker. Look carefully how others play and wait for a not good but great hole cards. Sometimes dealer button will pass you couple of times, but don’t get discouraged - be patient!
If you want to read more about our Omaha Poker experience, check out our omaha poker hands and poker wisdom.
If you think you’re ready, give it a go at Full Tilt Poker or Poker Stars! Good Luck!
At the end, I would really love to hear what you think and to discuss these tips with you, so feel free to comment!
