Texas Holdem Poker On Net Town For Internet Games

Texas Hold 'Em Poker Positioning

It's important to have a firm standing in poker---one knows where one stands, and where the others stand. Positioning is one the keys in Texas Hold "Em poker.

What's in the opponent's mind? This is one of the things we have to know if we're going to beat the opponent. We beat the opponent's strategy, not his bluffing or risking ability. And strategy and skill in poker are matters of the mind. When we catch what's on the opponent's mind, then we can better position ourselves for the kill. So good positioning is seeing what your opponents plan to do, and plan and act accordingly.

Actions and reactions reflect what's on the mind. Watch the opponent's behavior, especially the way he takes risks. For instance, a double betting doesn't necessarily mean a good poker hand. The opponent may be contemplating on scaring tactics to persuade others to fold. Or, it may mean an actual good poker hand. Guessing correctly what's on the opponent's mind will help prepare for the thing one needs to do. One may counter a perceived strategy for a poker win, or one may maneuver for a lesser loss if the choice is between two evils.

In poker, it is often thought that good positioning is actually late positioning, or deciding after all have indicated their moves on the table. Here, it will be more conducive when it's one's turn to be the dealer. Remember this poker advantage when being the dealer (having the button). Take note well what shows during the flop, and then act decisively.

The main focus often becomes the poker strategy on what card combination to have. When the object is a straight flush, focus is in completing the poker cards for a straight flush combination. We forget what the others are doing, acting, reacting, and risking, and our position in the face of all these. It is well to note that the position of being a player is quite different when one's the dealer. So playing pocket Aces in the big blind makes a world of a difference than in playing it as the dealer.

Good positioning must also be a major component of a good bluff. It's like a defense tower or a fortress wall with a good foundation---the bluff has a sure basis to lean on.

Thus, positioning in poker is like the educational background that comes with the business attire when gearing for a new job.