Learning how to play low pocket pairs (the most powerful cards you ever get dealt) is the subject of this free online poker training lesson.

Low pocket pairs, 2/2 through 9/9, will, long-term, provide you with more wins that any other two pocket cards you’ll ever be dealt.

What more than AA, KK and QQ? Surely not possible I hear you cry! It is not only possible but a fact.

In addition to being superb against good players they are also great for destroying those annoying “all in all the time” donk players.

Low Pocket Power Explained

You have about a 6% chance of being dealt a pocket pair of any type. So on average you’ll get a pocket pair once every 16 or 17 hands.

1) When you get a pocket pair you then have about a 1 in 8 chance of hitting a set (three of a kind) on the flop.

2) Based on this you will be able to play a post-flop set approximately once in every 133 hands. At a 10 player table that equates to once every 13 small/big blind bets you deposit on.

3) In terms of playability you can play low pockets from all table positions with some provisos, namely, from Early only at a cost not more than the Big Blind, not more than 2x the BB from Middle and 3x the BB in Late Position.

4) Plus, the low pocket pairs are never a pre-flop cause for raising the big blind.

5) Also if you limp in from Early Position, or if you have called a 2x BB from Middle Position, and there has been a raise to 3x the BB, and there are five plus players left in the hand,then you should call 3x the BB bet from Early and Middle position.

Why?
When there are five plus players left there is a higher probability the flop will show 2 or 3 low cards.

This is true primarily because it’s logical to assume that the 5 or more players currently in the hand each hold one or more paint cards.

Then the set we get becomes powerful. This is especially so if it is a 2-9 set. Yes, Aces down to Tens are serious weapons too, but the chance to put a big hit on the opposition lies more in the lower pocket pairs, rather than the higher pocket pairs.

That’s because a lot of players don’t fear lower cards in the flop, now do you see where we are going with this?

Let’s use a sample hand illustrate low pocket power.
You are in Late Position and have pocket 5c/5h. There is a ‘bad’ player with Jh/7c and a ‘good’ player with Ad/Qd.

Our better player raises 3x the big blind and the poorer one calls, you also call, everyone else folds. The flop hits the board, and it contains Ah/Jd/5s; giving you a set of Fives. The good player bets 3x the big blind again.

The ‘bad’ player, raises by a factor of three; crazy as he’s holding the middle pair, and the ‘good’ player has betted into the flopped Ace. You call and so does the good player.

Now it is the Turn and the card is a 7d. It gives the ‘good’ player a nut flush draw (Ad/Qd/Jd/7d), and he holds the high board pair (Ad/Ah). It gives the ‘bad’ player two pairs (Jacks over Sevens). You have your set of 5c,5h,5s.

At this point you may be concerned that the River will bring a card to fill the flush or a J or a 7.

Don’t be! In total there are 9 flush-maker cards, and 4 full-house-maker cards, 13; less the remaining Five. It’s a flush-maker but will also give you quad Fives. Thus, there are 12 cards that would cause you to lose, and 34 cards that will bring you the pot. You’re about a 3 to 1 favorite to win.

The river helps no one. The ‘bad’ player moves all in and you call and take a large pot.

So how was it that this pocket 5 situation was so good?
It’s because the set of Fives was hidden; as will always be the case when pocket 2/2, 3/3, 4/4, 5/5, 6/6, 7/7, 8/8, and 9/9 are turned into sets by the flop (1 in 133; although that includes sets of Tens, Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces).

Plus the fact that no one could have read the cards. You almost always slow-play it such that opponents, ‘bad’ or ‘good’, cannot identify the powerful set the flop created.

The power of low pockets is not very well known but is used by all pro players. After all, they win more money but do is under the radar so the pros are not going to shout about it!

So as a next step, go and practice low pocket pairs strategy on free online poker sites and then move on to low stakes and make money!

This free online poker games training lesson covers possibly the most popular area of all. What pocket cards to play, from what table position.

Fact - To win good money in lower stakes poker you don’t need to be a professional. Free poker and low stakes games get a constant flow of over-optimistic players many of whom quickly lose all their money. They lose their money to players lying in wait who have a solid grasp of core poker skills.

True, now and again one of these bad players will beat good players playing an insane hand like 4,7 unsuited but remember, this is the exception not the rule, it’s luck to them or to us, the extreme end of the probability curve. Overall, statistics prove that when you play only certain pocket cards from certain table positions you win over the long term.

A quick definition of Pocket Cards
Pocket cards are the 2 cards you get at the start of a hand, only you can see them.

The Evidence
A University of Chicago mainframe computer played 2 trillion+ 10 handed HoldEm games using all 2,652 combinations of 2 pocket cards. The results showed that certain pocket cards have a Negative Expected Value (-EV) i.e., they lose long term and others win long term with a Positive Expected Value (+EV)

However, before we can get into what pockets have +EV you need to know about the affect of Table Position.

Table Position is critical
Poker tables are divided into three areas: Early, Middle, Late. Which area you are seated in has a great effect on whether the pockets you have are +EV or -EV.

1) Early Positions are Small Blind, Big Blind and Under the Gun (UTG), UTG is the player on the left of the Big Blind.

2) Middle. Go from left of UTG and are simply Middle 1, 2, 3 and 4.

3) Late are Late 1, 2 and the Dealer Button.

For fast reference it is a good idea to code positions by 2 character codes: SB, BB, UG, M1, M2, M3, M4, L1, L2, and DB.

Critically pockets are playable or not in relation to the table position to which they are dealt.

Early Position. Pockets with +EV are:

AA
KK
QQ
AK suited
AQ suited
AK unsuited
Low pairs from 22 to 99

Every other possible pocket in Early position has a Negative EV.

Middle Position: M1, M2, M3, and M4

Pockets with +EV are:

The same as early, plus:

AJ suited
AT suited
JJ
TT
AQ unsuited
AJ unsuited
AT unsuited
Any suited picture cards, 10,J,Q,K.

Every other possible pocket in Middle position has a Negative EV.

Late Position

Pockets with +EV are:

Late is early plus middle plus:

A5 suited
A4 suited
A3 suited
A2 suited
A9 suited
And any 2 unsuited paint cards.

All others are negative, fold them

Other factors
All of the playable pockets by table position apart from AA and KK should only be used when the cost to see the flop does not exceed 3 times the big blind. Low pocket pairs; 22 though to 99 have some important blind cost rules but they need a lesson in their own right so look out for that later (not complex, don”t worry!).

To remember the playable pockets make a reference card to keep by your PC. It simply needs 3 sections. Early Position, middle and late position, with the associated playable pockets.

So get to it then, once you have playable pockets nailed down you can start to play with a lot more confidence, go look up low pockets now, then make a what poker cards to play reference card and get over to play some free online poker at NoPayPOKER.com to perfect your new skills.

This poker article is a review of free online poker games and is specifically looking at the quality of the games in terms of their usefulness as training aids for poker players wanting to play against real people for money online.

To clarify, what we are looking at are download poker games you play by yourself against the computer rather than the type of free online poker game downloads you’re able to play at most online poker sites that feature free practice play games against other beginners or people testing out strategies.

Our review focuses on the most popular download poker game about, that is the Governor of poker games collection and the links are going to parts 1 and 2, suitable for both pc and mac downloads..

Truly free?
Each game is $6.99 but you can try free before you decide as they give you a poker games free download complete version trial for pc and Mac, so there’s nothing to lose.

So what are these games all about? This is my summary, this is the publisher description which is the marketing pitch.

Governor of Poker One
Governor of Poker, is a poker game unlike anything you’re ever seen. Do you have what it takes to play against the Pro players of the old western? Dare to join a tournament or a cash game and perhaps bet ‘all in’. How do you think you’ll feel if you can totally clean out all the players, take all their money and even their houses, horses and land! Can you rise to the challenge and become the Governor of Poker and lord it over all Texas?

We bet after playing Governor of Poker you haven’t had enough! Then it’s time for Governor of Poker part 2 where you’ll find a ton of extra’s!

Governor of Poker 2
This sequel features many changes. Towns and become cities and many new people have arrived. It’s all good, but some things cannot be accepted just like that! Now there are loads more cities to conquer, more tournaments to play, interactive wallpaper, downloadable theme music and an extra Pro level of difficulty.

And the biggest challenge of all awaits. It’s the most exciting adventure in the Wild West, fighting the ban on Poker!

In Governor of Poker 2 you will also find a poker training tutorial feature. Play all new tournaments up to 120 opponents in 19 cities and 27 poker locations. It also includes a bounty hunter game, where you win cash prizes when eliminating an opponent or play against a whole team of players!

Plus you can set up your own tournaments and, for real risk takers, get bank loans. Travel by train, river casino boat or stage coach and play another game while travelling.

Get yourself customized hats for style and also to unlock new game locations. Judge your opponents based on new emotions, including nervous, on fire, steamy and tilt. And to regain your Governor status beat the 9 most notorious poker players in the west!

Player reviews - Is Governor of poker any good?
The reviews we have found for Governor of poker 1 and 2 have been mixed. It is a case of love it or hate it so we advise that you get the free poker games downloads trial, try it out and decide for yourself.

What does seem key is that it is more a game than a real life training sim. If you want real poker against people simulation and training then this is not quite there. For that you need to play the poker game free downloads for pc training games that you can find on most major sites, try NoPayPOKER.com for a beginning.

One area where the Governor of poker games can help even those who want real life simulation is with the processes of the different types of games and the terminology, so they are good for beginners as you can learn all about how poker works which can save you some blushes and maybe a few tart comments when you play against real people.

So you’ll be fully familiar with position, the blinds, betting, raising, folding and so on and hopefully an idea on what hands to play and NOT to play. Governor can also be set to a very hard skill level (as well as easy) so maybe it can help you get ready to go up against some hardcore players!

But if what you want is a fun poker game, one that is also suitable for kids to play then the Governor of poker series is one you should look at. Go get the Governor poker games free download for pc or Mac today.

In this free online poker article on the top poker books we’re taking a slight diversion and are reviewing a video based poker coaching lesson course that is backed up by reading course material.

The best poker books are truly excellent but video can be better in some ways as you can see and hear what is going on which, in a game like poker can be invaluable especially if the concepts are proving hard to visualise from static words and pictures.

So here we go with what we think is one of the very best poker training courses out there right now that all standards of player from poker beginner upwards can benefit from the most.

Title - Learn the Secrets to Texas Hold’em From Top Poker Pro Jonathan Little!
> Publisher/presenter - Jonathan Little
> This edition released - 2010
> Structure - 41 minute free online poker instruction video taster video. If purchased, ($77) six hours of poker tournament instruction video, reference sheets and instructions.

Get the free 41 minute over at NoPayPOKER, see the free online poker instruction video there

After researching the subject of the top poker books and training courses and lessons we have decided that the poker training video series by tournament pro Jonathan Little is one of the finest. In regard to his ability the figures speak, Jonathan has won $4 million+ in poker tournaments in just a few years which is a pretty fine skill indicator, though that doesn’t mean he can coach you, or does it?

It appears that evidently not just can he play, but he is able to also coach as this online video series is the number 1 selling poker education product we know of.

Lessons include:

Ideal for novices -
* How come low stakes poker is really so profitable.
* The fundamentals of no limit Texas holdem to help you get over the beginners disorientation over how poker is played..
* Basic blunders most newcomers make you will be in a position to steer clear of.
* The way Jonathan got started in his poker profession.
* The one tweak that switched things around for Jonathan and took him from loser to big winner.
* The games you should play to begin developing your bankroll

Moving on to intermediate and above
* How to modify your game in accordance with your stack size plus your opponents stack sizes.
* How to determine how much equity you will have in any given pot
* How to play suited connectors.
* The right way to generate your bankroll online.
* What hands it is best to play and which hands it is best to stay away from.
* The proper quantity it is best to reraise.
* Recognizing when you should push all in and why.
* What you must never do at the poker table.

Tournament specific
* The state of mind you should utilize when playing lower stakes tournaments.
* How to play the start, the middle of, and ultimate stages of a tourney.
* The strategy you must adopt when playing SnG’s and MTTs.
* How to get the most value out of rebuy tournaments

Lessons feature a variety of games, such as 180-person turbo sit & go’s and heads-up games.

If you work to make use of what you learn these videos will help you to learn to feel and play as a professional poker player.

Positives -
* Complimentary taster online video that does actually have a great number of free online poker coaching tips inside it. Get it here
* Covers all main subjects for starters and intermediate players.
* Perfect for free online poker players looking to make the move to low stakes money internet poker.
* Online video format - illustrates and tells, easier than reading a book.
* The coach is a tested success and fine coach
* Appears to know what problems most of us have and guides the lessons towards those particular areas.
* If you do not truly feel it was worthwhile they’ll refund you within 60 days. No questions asked.

Reasons against -
It is a large amount of material and that means you should be in a position to devote time and energy into watching it, taking notes, implementing etc. It certainly is not a magic bullet that will transform you straightaway, hardwork is essential!

So go and see this free online poker video but if it isn’t for you right now see the free online poker lessons on the NoPayPOKER.com blog at www.nopaypoker.com/articles

That free poker online is a pretty fair and, as far as it can go, honest game is something most people would agree on. Yes, there are colluder’s and cheats, sadly there are some real pathetic people out there but as far as the actual free poker site games themselves are concerned there is little suspicion of rigging.

The free poker sites themselves have no reason or motivation to fiddle players so you can be sure that when you play free poker online the deck is not rigged in the houses favor.

However, where real money changes hand is this still the case? Since the beginning of poker online there has been a heated debates as to whether online games are as fair as live play. In this article we’ll look at the evidence and, as you will find, come to some limited but definite conclusions that can help you feel safe in your choice of online poker site.

The Debate

Opinions vary greatly over just how fair online poker for cash is. Popular cheating accusations include the cash out curse where regular winners who withdraw a lot get hounded out by a string of against probability losses and pot juicing by poker sites who create straddle bets in order to whip up more action so make more rake. It’s also been said by some that counting to 10 before going all-in helps.

Virtually all pro live players will inform you that just the very lazy, stupid and cheats (the winners) seriously play poker online for money.

The fact is that online poker is having a hard time right now. The debacle of Black Friday in the US along with the downfall of Full Tilt and others with associated criminal charges have made things even worse for online money poker. For Full Tilt to fall so hard would have seemed almost impossible before and yet they did adding petrol to an already hot fire.

The Method

Typically runs of bad beats as well as good win runs are part of poker online and live. Many feel that the rigging accusations against online games are just poker variance and that the same happens in live games but as it is live there is no technology to blame for losses. Now though one group is trying to end the doubt.

Using statistical tests with millions of hands Online Poker Watchdog are now trying to establish if online poker really is fair or a fools game. Their claim is that as an independent statistical auditor they can truly prove or disprove the claims about rigging in poker online money games.

So far they have tested PartyPoker, PokerStars and OnGame. They used 2 solid tests on the 3 sites that are far reaching enough to determine if the sites are operated fairly.

The first test was to upload 1 million hands into the site database and compare results of actual hands won to what would be expected in live games. Secondly hands were split hands that were ahead and behind pre-flop and again compared results to what would be expected in pure live games.

The Results

At PokerStars the test was a million hands downloaded and 69,663 pre-flop all-ins coming from tourneys and Sit n Go games. The expectation in live games should be 35,748 winning hands. The test returned with 35,850 winners, giving a deviation of just +102. Anyone who is familiar with maths will confirm this is as near to normal as makes no difference. The Second test results comparing pre-flop all-ins ahead and behind also showed very near normal results.

PartyPoker assessments made use of 1.26 million hands that broke down 11,984 hands from $50NL full ring cash game tables. Live game expectancy predicts 6,267 winners. In the test they had 6,198.5 winners - a deviation of a meager -68. The pre-flop all-in testing also came in very close to normal.

The OnGame tests utilised a 1.42 million hand sample with 12,306 hands coming from $30NL short handed cash tables. The live game expectation is 6,457 wins. The online site tests returned with 6,454.5 winners, an infinitesimal deviation of -2.5. The pre-flop all-in comparisons not surprisingly were very near normal.

The Decision

These results are exact to put it mildly. The 3 websites involved in the checks demonstrate no signs of rigging or cheating. A lot of internet players haven’t ever truly thought that games online are rigged (exactly why might they play otherwise!) our hope is that this material tells doubters the fact that the water is safe, at least at these 3 respected online poker websites.

While on line pokers legal standing may be cloudy at this time it’s good to find out that these websites are playing fair, very good news for those who play now and for those in the US who’ll, in every likelihood be able to play once more once the US government works out how to get tax from internet poker for money games!

If you’re not yet ready to play poker online for money or if you’d prefer to just play some free fun online practice poker versus real people and, or get free online poker instruction then go to NoPayPOKER.com.

All the poker there is totally free of risk of losing money due to the fact that you literally cannot deposit any, though, by clever use of advertising you can actually win some real cash! Nopay is also legal for US based players.

You may well be familiar with the beginner to expert level free online poker games coaching to be had at NoPayPOKER.

If not go and check out the free online poker training education main page.

The NoPayPOKER lessons form a great free poker library that will be added to all the time but of course it cannot cover all poker knowledge!

So to expand we have researched what we think are the very best books on poker.

The poker books reviewed have been aggressively filtered and only top rated poker books have made the cut.

The framework is always to give the basic information on the poker book, a summary of the subject matter with a brief summary of critiques we’ve uncovered on the pros and cons of the books.

Title - Sit ‘n Go Strategy
* Author(s) - Colin Moshman
* This version released - July 2007
* Pages - 281

Outline -
Many good reviews on this one, in addition there is relatively very little of quality written on SnGs, so this is a very good book/bible for SnG’ers.

Positive review comments -
* A solid and detailed manual on playing effective low to medium buy-in, 1 table games. Sit and Go game strategy split into easy to follow low, medium and high blind play sections.
* Shows a very tight aggressive form of play, while he acknowledges, that other playing types may also be successful, if the players are good at post flop play
* A thorough examination of table situations, personal player types, stack and blind sizes, payouts, chip values, and how they effect ideal strategy is provided.
* May perhaps be as valuable for the SNG player as Harringtons No Limit Series is to MTT players.
* Reading it I fully understood the idea of equity (also the term generally) so much better than before.
* I completed it in 2 days and right away put $250 into my PokerStars balance.
* I really like how the book is aimed in direction of online SNG play. You will find lots of players just doing Sit N Go’s just for amusement, and Moshman goes into depth on exploiting such bad players.

Negatives -
* Not really for totally new players

Title - How to Win at Online Texas Hold ‘Em: Insider Tips, Strategies, and Advice to Help You Master the Game of Online Poker
* Author(s) - Jack Parker
* This edition released - February 2010
* Pages - 78

Outline -
Just the thing for novices. Every tiny bit of this book is rich with the latest poker information about how to rule the internet poker tables. Inside, you’ll discover for instance:

- The correct way to figure out pot odds and outs.
- When you ought to blind steal.
- When and ways to effectively utilize the squeezing approach.
- How you can modify your speed of play when playing with skilled players.
- The best way to properly use check boxes/auto plays.
- Tips on how to keep tabs on your opponents fold & flop proportions.
- Ways to use the chat box to your advantage.

Pros -
* I found the info to the point and practical
* particularly took advantage of the part on bluffing and also the one on playing in online sit-and-go’s.
* I took an absolute beating in an internet poker site a couple of weeks ago and made up my mind I had better find out a few things before I went back. So - did it help? I took in over $400 yesterday evening online.
* for a person just like me who has not read a lot and is aiming to start strengthening their game by learning, I believe it is a truly helpful little book, and in my opinion feel like it has undoubtedly paid for itself based on the amount of cash I’ve earned thus far in my first forays into online games.

Downsides -
Mainly for beginners or those switching from live to online for the very first time. Beyond this or for those really into the math side you’ll find it too modest.

So ends our best poker strategy books review, keep your eyes peeled for more soon, no, they are not free but at the same time do not cost mush and will pay for themselves quick if you are willing to apply the lessons therein.

We hope you already know about all the free online poker training to be had at NoPayPOKER that covers all levels from beginner to advanced as well as playing live room games.

If you have not checked those free poker online training lessons out yet see the education master page and look now, check them out, there is loads for all there.

The NoPay lesson series is a super library of poker skills yet we know that you may want even more or stuff specific to different situations.

So to that end we’re starting a series of posts highlighting some of the top poker books we know about.

The poker books reviewed has been filtered from the huge heaving mass that has resulted from the poker boom of the last 2 decades so that only the top poker books make it to the list.

In this post we begin by looking at the most obvious sub-topic of interest, namely online poker specific books. This is a difficult subject area, there is less published that you’d imagine and a lot of it has bad reviews plus, of course, online poker is a fast changing subject meaning that some good review but older books are now outdated. Due to this it is a short list and only 5 or 6 will be posted up, today to minimize overload we begin with 2.

The framework is always to provide the basic information on the book, a outline of the content and then summarised critiques we’ve located on both the positives and negatives of the book.

To purchase one of these books check out the NoPay best poker books to read page.

Following that you may also go play some free online poker just for fun against real people with no risk of losing your cash, the perfect spot to practice everything you read before taking a chance on real cash.

Title - Harrington on Online Cash Games; 6-Max No-Limit Hold ‘em
* Author(s) - Dan Harrington and Bill Robertie
* This edition published - June 2010
* Pages - 530

Summation -
Dan Harrington tells you the real key concepts and expertise that can allow you to become an expert at online poker. Internet poker is a world, as any of you who also play live games know, which differs in some crucial ways from the realm of casino games.

Subject areas covered include:
* How to handle sizes of stack.
* Playing at six max tables.
* Dealing with high aggression.
* And, as opposed to most poker online books, the way you use poker databases and heads up displays (HUDs) to get in depth and useable information on how the other players play.

Plus, there are detailed strategies for micro and small stakes preflop and post-flop play.

We really rate this book for all poker online players who play money games online but do not win as much as they’re like (most of us in other words!) In addition it is ideal for free online poker players planning to step up to micro and small stakes real money play and live card room players who have not played online before.

If you are brand new to poker or just starting out then we do urge you to start off on a free online poker site first to learn game basics before risking real cash. Yes, you can get the book and read it as you learn to play just don’t risk your real money yet please!

Positive review comments -
* Don’t Purchase this guide - I don’t need you getting any better! I strongly recommend this book to any online player who isn’t my competitor.
* Particularly describes numerous helpful statistics that may be employed to exploit patterns in your oppositions pre and postflop behaviors.
* Some really good suggestions on note-taking.
* He gives you the know how to analyze your oppositions play and manipulate them if they are poor, or if they are good.
* I was blown away by this book. All of his books are good, but this particular one really gets into details concerning the different types of games and situations you will come across.
* It’s a good book and a need for every online player. You can use the know how in the book for full ring game too. Excellent book.

Cons -
Nothing significant seen apart from one insane naysayer sort who’d likely say night was day just to be different.

Title - The Full Tilt Poker Strategy Guide: Tournament Edition
* Author(s) - Andy Bloch, Richard Brodie, Chris Ferguson and Ted Forrest
* This edition published - June 2007
* Pages - 448

Summation -
Full Tilt may be Rip now however the guidance from their team professionals who collaborated to write this book remains great for a lot of poker online players.

Pros -
* I was worried that this would be a fast buck job aiming to cash in on the popularity of internet poker and that the writers would push out basic low value material. Not so I’m happy to report. There is material in this that is superb.
* Ferguson’s section is sort of a small coaching class with him.
* This will turn into a “must have” book for poker tournament players.
* I hate to have to recommend this. It simply provides too many trade secrets.
* Newbies and players who’ve played for less than a few years might play ten more years and never absorb this much understanding.

Cons -
* Split up into several sections with each different from the last and written by a different player. As such it’s kind of here and there.
* Some say it is little use for internet as poker online is all rigged…

So this ends the first top poker books review article, keep an eye out for the next which will have more online poker specific resources that, while not free have been proven to pay for themselves by those who are willing to read, learn and apply what they learn.

And if these are not for you then get over to our free poker skills sections and at least read or re-read one of our free online poker lessons.

In this free poker online games training lesson I’m looking at the difference between aggressive and passive and asking if one style is better than the other. To support the discussion I am reconstructing a real life hand sequence from a professional poker game that illustrates the points involved and hopefully will get you thinking about how you approach various situations when you play.

The basis
An aggressive player, traditionally, bets and raises. In turn the passive player will call raises and bets. To be passive, which is essentially to be cautious, can be a good way to play in major tournaments such as the WSOP where, for example, a J-10 in a flop of 10-8-4 is decent enough for playing with middle of the road care. You’d play such a hand possibly by check-calling or placing only small bets with an aim of value-betting at the end if the table if it looks safe enough. But being too passive, as in this example, can lead to destruction.

The Blinds - 3000/6000

The Preflop:

A has As-Ah raise to 16k
B with Ks-Qs calls 16k - the pot is 50k

Because B has position over A (and because his K-Q is suited) B can afford a call. In the meantime A plays his pocket A’s like any other raising the hand in middle position to confuse B. If A just called his Aces, B might think it is really A-A and will just call or fold later if A shows signs of strength.

The Flop: 7s-2d-Qh

A now bets 23k
B calls 23k (Pot 96k)

A is betting his Aces based chiefly on its value (and not so much on his perceived value of B’s hand). With three undercards falling (and the likely possibility of the Queen pairing someone, especially a caller from late position) his Aces are secure, provided that no face card falls later, because it may pair the kicker of the one holding a Queen. B too thinks his Queens hold value though he knows not enough should a King or Ace fall - an option now is to put A on a bluff with Ax or Kx, so he just calls.

The Turn: 7s-2d-Qh-8d

Now A bets with 55k
B calls 55k (Pot 206k)

A stays with his Flop actions and thoughts. B also thinks likewise. As there are no draws on the Flop (both may think a backdoor Flush unlikely) and his Aces still all undercarded A keeps on hammering B aggressively and B stays hammered in passive mode.

The River: 7s-2d-Qh-8d-blank

A bets 121k (Pot 372k)
This bet is enough to put B all-in. As all the cards are undercards to A’s Aces and all the other table cards are undercards to B’s Queens, A figures B must have a Queen that he might go to the death with. So A does not slow down as most players do (even with Aces most players think that it is still just one pair, so they may check only, or if they feel their Aces are good, then they may try to check-raise) and instead pushes B all-in.

B still thinks his Queens are strong enough which is why he has come as far as the river. Then he plays the textbook maneuver. Is he up against A-Q he thinks? Unlikely he thinks so…

B moves all in on 121k

A aggressively hammered at B all the way from preflop to the post river all in death and B just kept accepting the hammering. At no time did A allow B a chance to play gracefully. B played passive in response to the aggression and called all the way to his all in destruction.

It could be that B sensed As unusual strength since he just called all the time. But if so he should have trusted his senses once the river was reached and bowed out. The bets at Flop and Turn bets might offer cheap call spots and even if he thinks he is beaten then he can still draw, but by the river stage bet is not cheap and is enough to finish him off.

So, yes aren’t there a lot of things to think about in this hand, and of course the same it true for most poker hands. One point to be clear on is that there isn’t a right and wrong way, you should not play aggressive or passive all the time, in order to be great at poker you have to be able to play both ways and all the ways in between and adapt as you go along.

Ok that is easier to say than do I accept, so the next advice is that practice perfects the art. As ideal way to practice what this free poker experience article preaches is to play free poker practice games on sites like NoPayPOKER.com where you can hone your skills with no risk of money loss before going for it on money sites or in face to face play.

This poker free online games coaching article is about how to apply the concept of value betting, to illustrate it I’m using a real life pro game as a hand example. Note what the winner did and try to understand why and start to work value bets into your game .

This free poker coaching article is for intermediate and above players. If you’re not sure on the terms and concepts bookmark it and come back later after taking some beginner steps and practicing on free online poker games sites in order to get the concepts nailed.

On a table where there is, for example, a Straight, like 7-8-9-2-J, what might you do if you have 9 and 8? If your opponent checks, would you also check? Most of us may, because your opponent may have, say, A-10 and hung on the Turn only to try to trap on the river. But once you have determined that he is more likely not to have the Ten in this case than to have it, we can get some additional chips from him by value-betting. Here is an example of a similar hand:

This hand was shown on the Turn. (Pot approx. 250k)

Each player checked at the Flop

Both checked, possibly as they figured their hands to be too weak for a table showing Straight and Flush possibilities. One could be on a draw and the other might be unwilling to continue with only one Pair.

The Turn: 9d-6d-10s-9s

A has ??-??, checks
B has ??-??, bets 200k

Now perhaps B has a gutshot or Flush draw and wants no more problems with A. What actions can A make?

A raises to 600k
B calls 400k (Pot now 1.45m)

Now A’s check-raise may reinforce B’s belief that A has a made hand, like 9-x or a high Pair, but B may be on a draw, so B calls. Plus, as the pot is already big B can afford to call (400,000 in a 1.05m pot) should he have a Straight, Flush draw, even an overpair (which seems likely) or a Pair with a draw, even if he thinks A has a 9 (B might also possess the last 9 with a Flush draw).

The River: 9d-6d-10s-9s-8c

A bets 1m

Even on a dangerous Board with a Straight draw (but without any more Flush possibilities), A bets. However A cannot afford to push B all in on such a table but it does make a good value bet scenario. Why?

1. A bets because if B has a hand and if B bets, then A will be put on a decision. A doesn’t want that to happen. He has shown strength on the Turn when he check-raised; therefore he wishes to be consistent. His goal then is to force B to a decision point. He wants B to think if he has the Eight than give his opponent the opportunity of making him do the hard thinking.

2. In addition, A will bet as check calling is the same as placing a bet and then being called. Betting and being called, is a more aggressive option.

3. A is gunning to get extra value for his Triple 9’s. As long as he believes that B has a decent hand but not a strong one, he will bet to get chips from B, who has played passively from Flop up to now (checking after he checked on the Flop, betting small then calling a raise on the Turn). If B folds, he hasn’t a hand, and A wins the pot. If B calls and A’s estimate of his hand strength is right, then he will obtain more chips than he would if he checked and B just checked (which is what a passive player will do).

4. A you should know is a top class player. Possibly he is bluffing and does not want to telegraph it. So he disguises bluffing as value betting. He hopes that B will be fooled, especially in a Board in which a bluff may work well against marginal hands (paired Board and one off a Straight).

B calls with 1m

Now B calls. B hand might be strong enough for a showdown. A’s value bet gives him about 2.5-to-1 on a call (1m more to win a 2.45m pot) which B may consider to be sufficient enough for a pay-off with, say, A-10 or even a small Pair. So what hands are they holding?

A shows Jh and 9h

A rounded off the hand strengths of his and B’s hands correctly which gave him the confidence he needed for a value bet. In contrast a more passive player is generally going to check-fold or check-check.

B mucks

So what was B holding, and what could he have made? He may have K-K, Q-Q, or A-10, and just slowed down when he saw a Board conducive for a Straight and Flush development, as well as a Pair. B might have had a small Pair which he reckoned to be the best hand and figured to go for a pay off. Whatever it is, it is a made hand, and maybe he couldn’t help wondering what A was holding; who was this A? A is Phil Ivey. Maybe B assumed the check-raise on the Turn and the bet on the river were bluffs; it was just Phil Ivey playing aggressively and reading hands.

If you’re not already doing so get practising value betting and start applying the concepts of the pros illustrated in this free poker coaching article. And if you’re not already playing free poker practice games at NoPayPOKER get started today, it’s utterly free and risk free and is US player legal even by the latest 2011 definitions!

This free poker online coaching article is about how to apply the concept of value betting, to illustrate it I’m using a real life pro game as a hand example. Note what the winner did and try to understand why and start to work value bets into your game .

This free poker education lesson is medium experience level and above. If you’re not sure on the terms and concepts bookmark it and come back later after taking some beginner steps and practicing on poker free online games sites in order to get the concepts nailed.

In a board which is one off a Straight, such as 7-8-9-2-J, what will you do if you had the 9-8? If an opponent checks, will you check too? Most of us may, because your opponent may have, say, A-10 and hung on the Turn only to try to trap on the river. But once you have determined that he is more likely not to have the Ten in this case than to have it, we can get some additional chips from him by value-betting. Here is an example of a similar hand:

This hand was shown on the Turn. (Pot about 250k)

Both players checked on the Flop.

Both checked, possibly as they figured their hands to be too weak for a table showing Straight and Flush possibilities. One could be on a draw and the other might be unwilling to continue with only one Pair.

The Turn: 9d-6d-10s-9s

A has ??-??, checks
B has ??-??, bets 200k

Now maybe B has a gutshot or a Flush draw, so he wants no more trouble with A. What does A do?

A raises to 600k
B calls 400k (Pot now 1.45m)

A’s check raise might reinforce B’s thinking that A is holding a made hand such as 9x or a high pair, yet B might be on a draw so he calls. Plus, as the pot is already big B can afford to call (400,000 in a 1.05m pot) should he have a Straight, Flush draw, even an overpair (which seems likely) or a Pair with a draw, even if he thinks A has a 9 (B might also possess the last 9 with a Flush draw).

The River: 9d-6d-10s-9s-8c

A bets with 1m

So A bets even though it is a risky table with a Straight draw (though without any further Flush possibilities). However A cannot afford to push B all in on such a table but it does make a good value bet scenario. Here are the reasons:

1. A bets because if B has a hand and if B bets, then A will be put on a decision. Naturally A does not want that to occur. He has shown strength on the Turn when he check-raised; therefore he wishes to be consistent. His goal then is to force B to a decision point. His objective is to make B do the hard work and make him wonder if he has the 8.

2. Furthermore, A bets because check-calling has the same effect as betting and then getting called. Betting and being called, is a more aggressive option.

3. A is gunning to get extra value for his Triple 9’s. While he thinks B has an OK but not great hand he can bet and get chips from B, who has been playing passively since the flop up until now (checking after he checked at the Flop and then placing and small bet followed by the Turn where he called a raise). If B folds, he hasn’t a hand, and A wins the pot. If B calls and A’s estimate of his hand strength is right, then he will obtain more chips than he would if he checked and B just checked (which is what a passive player will do).

4. Now, let us add that A is a very strong player. Possibly he is bluffing and does not want to telegraph it. Therefore he dresses the bluff in the form of a value bet. He hopes that B will be fooled, especially in a Board in which a bluff may work well against marginal hands (paired Board and one off a Straight).

B calls 1m

Now B calls. B hand might be strong enough for a showdown. A’s value bet gives him about 2.5-to-1 on a call (1m more to win a 2.45m pot) which B may consider to be sufficient enough for a pay-off with, say, A-10 or even a small Pair. So what hands are they holding?

A reveals Jh-9h

A rounded off the hand strengths of his and B’s hands correctly which gave him the confidence he needed for a value bet. In contrast a more passive player is generally going to check-fold or check-check.

B mucks

So what could B have made with what he was holding? He may have K-K, Q-Q, or A-10, and just slowed down when he saw a Board conducive for a Straight and Flush development, as well as a Pair. B might have had a small Pair which he reckoned to be the best hand and figured to go for a pay off. Whatever it may be it’s a made hand and possible could not help wonder what A was holding - and who is A? A is Phil Ivey. Perhaps B figured the check-raise at the Turn and bet at the River was bluffing whereas in fact it was Phil playing aggressive and accurately reading hands.

So get practising your poker value betting and learn how to bet better in poker games by applying the ideas in this free poker coaching article. And if you’re not already playing free poker practice games at NoPayPOKER get started today, it’s utterly free and risk free and is US player legal even by the latest 2011 definitions!