The Great White Shark

Online Texas Hold’em Poker System

Be a Great White Shark In A Sea FULL of Fish

By Simon Sharp

1
Contents
Page

3 Introduction

4 Beginners Guide To Texas Hold’em

7 What You Need Before You Start Playing

8 The System

9 The System Overview

11 The Detailed System

29 The System Summarised (tabulated)

38 Appendix

2
Inroduction
Welcome to The Great White Shark Poker System. Very soon, you will be on
your way to making an average of $200 per day playing online texas hold’em,
as I do, everyday.

As you probably already know, there are many poker guides out there and most
offer good advice. The problem arises when you try and apply that advice you
find the information is too general for the varied situations that arise in Texas
Hold’em. You will find yourself busting out and losing more often than you win
because you played a general game but didn’t know the correct way to act in a
specific poker situation.

This System is designed to be concise and easy to follow, no 100 pages of filler
like most of the other guides you can buy online. This is the real deal.

When I first started out playing online poker I was a fish. I was chump for any
semi decent player out there and I lost a lot of money. So, I started buying
books on poker and reading techniques on how to win at this great game. What
I found was ALL of the guides I bought were too general to apply and
consistently win. They offered good advice which I applied, I would win a few
games, and sometimes have a good run, but I would at best break even. Poker
was just becoming a major waste of time as well as money. Along with years of
trial and error learning I developed a way of playing which wins consistently,
everyday. Sure, you can’t win EVERY game, but this system will ensure you are
in the money on SitnGo 6 Handed 70% of the time.

I will show you step by step exactly how to play and win at online Texas
Hold’em. You will find the system very easy to follow, but if you need any further
help, please feel free to email me at simon@winatonlinepoker.net

Online poker is an immense monster these days. Millions of people are playing
online at anyone time, the truth is 90% of them lose more often than they win.
So only 10% are consistent winners. This guide will show you how to be the
great white shark at the top of that 10%.

If you are relatively new to online Texas Hold’em, please read the beginners
guide first. If you are familiar with the rules and general online play and game
choices, you can skip that chapter.

3
Beginners Guide To Texas Hold’em
A full Texas Hold'em table typically has nine or ten players; any less and the
game may be referred to as short handed. To determine who begins the game
a single card is dealt to each player; high card will be the first dealer. The dealer
position is indicated by a white plastic chip referred to as the button, which is
also what the dealer position is called, sometimes referred to as being on the
button. After each round of play, sometimes called a hand, the dealer button
rotates to the left, ensuring that everyone gets to play in this and all other
positions.

Pre-flop

Before cards are dealt the forced bets must be paid, which are called the big
blind and the small blind. A bet is when money is put into the pot for the first
time in a round. The amounts of the bets and blinds are predetermined, and the
small blind is always half the big blind. The small blind position is always the
seat to the left of the dealer, and the big blind is the seat to the left of the small
blind.

The dealer will then deal two cards (referred to as pocket cards or hole cards)
face down to each player, one at a time, starting with the player on his left.
Once the cards are dealt, each player looks at their cards; on their action they
must then decide if they wish to call the current bet (the big blind, which is the
highest amount bet at this point) which means to match it, fold their hand with
out betting if they don't like their cards, or raise the bet by putting in more
money. Each player, starting with the seat to the left of the big blind, makes
their choice and acts. If a player raises the bet, each player must now call the
new amount, including those who may have already acted. At any time a player
may re-raise, meaning that they raise it again beyond the amount it was raised
previously. If no player raises the big blind, then the player in that position may
check, meaning they do not want to put more money in, or raise. It is important
to note that if a players raises he may not raise again unless he was re-raised,
as opposed to called. The round of betting stops when all players have either
folded or called the last raise.

Flop

Three cards are dealt face up; this is called the Flop. These are the first of five
community cards that all players can use, along with their pocket cards, to make
the best possible poker hand. The standard poker hand ranks are used. The
player in the small blind position (once again, the first seat to the left of the
dealer) is now UTG, or Under The Gun, meaning they are first to act now and
on every subsequent round of betting. They must make a decision as in pre-flop
play, with one change: they can choose to check if they don't want to bet or fold.
Many experts advise players to stop here if they do not improve their hand, as
they have now seen five of the seven cards they will use. Once again, the
betting round ends only when all players have folded or called the last bet or
raise.

4
Turn

A fourth community card is dealt, called the Turn, face up. There is another
round of betting, exactly as after the flop, with the small blind seat being UTG.

River

The dealer turns over the fifth and last community card, called the River. There
is one final round of betting. At this point (or before) if all but one player folds,
the last player who didn't fold wins the pot. This player may muck his hand,
which means to toss it into the discard pile by the dealer without showing
anyone what it was.

Showdown

A showdown occurs when a player is called after the River, and could involve
anywhere from two players to the entire table, depending on how many stayed
in to this point. All players still in the hand show their cards, starting with the last
person to bet. At any point after this player showed his cards other players in
the showdown may muck their hand, essentially conceding the pot; just think of
mucking as folding. They are admitting they have been beat without having to
show their cards. This strategy (mucking) helps keep the other players from
learning your playing style, such as if you bet heavy on two pairs or like to
chase a flush.

The best five-card poker hand wins.

That is the essence of Texas Hold'em, but there are a number of other
important points to understand.

Position

Where you sit at a Texas Hold'em table is a very important factor in how you
play. The dealer position is considered the strongest on any given round, as
being on the button means you act last in every post-flop round. Acting last
means you act with the most information, which is essential to making the right
decision whether to bet or raise, check, call or fold, and the game of poker is all
about making the right decisions.

Being in early position means you are one of the first to act in a round of betting,
and is considered weak due to the lack of information you have before you act.
Middle position is less weak and falls between the early and the late position.
The late position is the strongest, such as the dealer and the player to his right,
who is referred to by some as the cutoff. The cutoff could take the choice away
from the dealer by betting or raising big, bumping him out and becoming the
latest player in the hand, and thus in the strongest position.

5
Winning a hand

Besides everyone but you folding, the only way to win a hand is in a showdown.
The five best cards are used out of the five community cards and each player's
hole cards, which can lead to some interesting situations. For example, if the
board, or table cards, is AAKK9 and no player has better than a pair of eights in
their hand, the board is the best possible hand, and all players in the showdown
will chop the pot, which means to divide it evenly among those players. The
same holds true if two players tie a hand. In the event of a flush or a straight,
the player holding the highest card in the series wins; if the board has the five
highest, the pot is chopped.

One last note; Texas Hold'em can be played as Limit, No Limit, and Pot Limit.
Limit Hold'em means that you can only bet up to a predetermined amount,
typically equal to the big blind, and raise the same amount. Raises are typically
limited to four or five "bets" total, meaning the big blind, the first raise, and then
three or four more raises. Pot Limit Hold'em means you can raise up to the
current amount in the pot, but no more. No Limit Texas Hold'em is the most
dramatic of the three, where any player, at any time, can declare All In and bet
everything he has. A player calling an All In move with too few chips creates a
side pot, which he cannot win and is separate from the main pot, which he can.

The game of Texas Holdem becomes more popular every day, and one of the
main reasons for that is the ease with which players can pick up on the rules. At
least two players are required for the game to start, and the goal is to put
together the best five-card combination using your two hole cards and five
community cards. But Texas Holdem is often referred to as the game that takes
a minute to learn and a lifetime to master.

6
What You Need Before You Start Playing
First of all you need an online poker account. If you haven’t already got one I
recommend the poker sites listed below due to the fact that I have played at
these sites and win consistently.

There is discussion online as to whether some online poker sites are rigged or
not. The story goes that some poker sites rig the cards in favour of new players
to keep them playing and increasing the pot size thus increasing the rake (the
rake is the percentage of the pot the casino takes, usually 5-10%). In the case
of SitnGo’s some people believe that the casinos are rigged in favour of new
players, allowing them to win so they remain playing at the site, the good
players who lose put it down to plain bad luck and continue playing thinking that
the odds will level out and they will soon start winning again.

I personally have not found this to be the case. Usually the ones crying that
poker sites are rigged are just not very good at poker. If you want to play at
poker sites that you can DEFINITELY win at choose one of the following and
click the link. Both offer 100% sign up bonuses up to $600.

PartyPoker

FullTilt

7
The System
Ok, so on to the actual system. Step by step this is exactly how you should play
to win consistently at online Texas Hold’em.

You will be playing 6 handed SitnGo, $11 buy in to begin with. When you are
winning consistently you can move up to $22 buy in. ONLY play the standard
game, do not play speed or turbo as these games need more luck. You don’t
need luck anymore, you are now playing with skill and knowledge of the game.

6 handed SitnGo is the most beatable form of poker because the strategy to
consistently win is counter to a lot of the poker advice out there. Therefore as
most people do not know the right strategy, it will put you at a major advantage.

If you play poker already and are winning, then fine, why did you buy this
guide? If you are a losing player, then there is going to be a few things you are
going to have to change. Please believe me, follow these steps and you will see
your profits come in.

You won’t win consistently at this game by trying to bluff people or play with sub
standard hands. There is a time and a place for both of these plays but they are
the rarity rather than the norm.

The six handed sitngo is a very easy game to beat if you stick to a pre
determined strategy. Once you start to wander from this path your win rate will
decrease dramatically. You should average around a 70% in the money for the
six handed SNG using this system.

8
System Overview
The Ten Basic Rules Of Six Handed SNG play

Here are the basic rules of six handed play. You should follow these until you
start to win regularly and then you can begin to open up your game a little as
you gain confidence.

Rule One

Never call a raise unless you have AK, AQ or a high pair.

This is going to be the hardest habit to drop. But you need to unlearn your
calling habit quickly. Once you have mastered folding to a raise then you stop
busting out to AA or higher sets. Yes - people do get good hands in this game.

Rule Two

Never raise with less than a hand you are prepared to commit all of your chips
to.

Playing a Six Handed SNG is the same as playing the final table of a large
tourney with just the last six players left.

The exception is when it comes to playing on the bubble (covered later).

Rule Three

Never Ever limp into a pot. Never.

Limping into pots hoping to get lucky will crucify your chip count and devastate
your winning percentage.

Rule Four

Never Ever call to a drawing hand.

Whether it's to a flush, an open ended straight draw or a gutshot. You never call
to try and make this hand. Never.

Rule Five

When you have a hand to raise with - RAISE.

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And make it three times the big blind. Never ever deviate from this. Make all
your raises consistent.

Rule Six

Never move "All In" to try and snatch a pot when you have nothing.

Never. You'll get called. And lose your stack. You might get away with it once or
twice but in the long run you'll come up short.

Rule Seven

If you get reraised - FOLD.

Unless you have QQ, KK or AA you have to fold.

Rule Eight

Always end the heads up by going all in with either a pair (preferable) or at least
an Ace.

Nothing else will do. Get blinded out if you don't have these hands. The
exception is if you enter heads up on a life machine and need a lot of luck.

Rule Nine

Never Multi Table the SNG until you are a consistently winning player.

Poker is a game of incomplete information and you need every scrap of it.

Rule Ten

Only deviate from all of the above when you are consistently winning.

Once you start adhering to the above rules you will start to see that your poker
game becomes amazingly crystal clear.

There is so much play available in an SNG if you just play straightforward

poker. leave the funny stuff to all of the other "experts" who raise and move all
in like maniacs.

They are the ones who will move all in and find you looking them up with a
decent hand.

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Detailed System
OK, now you have the basics, let’s look at specifics and what you should do in
given situations.

The 5 main things we have to keep in mind are:

1. How many players are left in the game.

2. Table position
3. Opponent player type – their playing style.
4. How many chips you have.
5. Starting hand – the 2 cards you are dealt at the beginning of each hand.

We will look at each in detail but bear in mind, each point has to be measured in
conjunction with the other 4 points. For instance how you bet when there are
only 4 players left, can be determined by your table position and/or your chip
stack and/or your opponent type.

1. How many players are left in the game

The main part of this system takes you through the game play in 5 steps.

Step 1 5 or 6 players
Step 2 4 players
Step 3 3 players – The bubble
Step 4 2 players – Heads up

The idea is to finish at worst in the top 2 and ideally win, so being knocked out
early is absolutely not an option. The early stages with 5 or 6 players are all
about maintaining your chips. You need to be patient and wait for a good hand.
With 3 opponents you need to open up play a bit or tighten depending on
factors such as your chip stack or your opponents chip stack.

2. Table Position

This is where you are sat in relation to the dealer button. This is an important
factor as it determines the knowledge you have of how your opponents are
going to play the hand.

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 MID LATE

LATE
MID

EARLY EARLY

Early – You are first to act and so don’t have a read on how your opponents are
going to play, you have to decide how to play your hand not knowing if
someone else will raise you all in, or fold to a small bet.

Middle – You gain some information and can decide how to act based on a
player type (covered later).

Late – You get the most information on your opponents, and can use that in
your decision about how to play your hand.

Bear in mind that as the number of players reduces, the positions become
blurred, but this acts as a general principle.

3. Opponent Player Type

Ideally you want to be playing with bad players. This isn’t always possible so the
next best thing is to know exactly how good or bad your opponents are. Many
poker guides will tell you to spend hours watching your opponents, making
notes on how they play etc. which is fine, if you have hours to spare. I don’t, and
I don’t imagine you do. So, here is a relatively unknown quick way to establish
the skill levels of your opponents.

First of all select your table. It doesn’t matter which table so long as it is 6
handed SitnGo $11 buy in.

OK, you’re seated. Do this in conjunction with Step 2 (Starting Hand Selection)
because while you are checking your opponent’s skill levels, you will also need
to make decisions on how to play the cards you have already been dealt.

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Visit this website and prepare to be pleasantly surprised…

www.poker-edge.com

This is a great little tool that I use all the time, and you must now too. Is it
cheating? I don’t think so, but the poker sites don’t like it.

On the first page of the website you can see a text entry box with “Enter Poker
ID”. Type in the name of one of your opponents sat at the table with you and
click “Search Poker Sites”. What you will now see is information regarding the
playing style of your opponent. You can instantly see if your opponent is a good
or bad player (if there is no information displayed that particular opponent may
be new to the poker site so stats have not been recorded yet). This tool is
incredible and can tell you exactly how you should play this opponent. In this
system we focus mainly on the cards, but knowing your opponent is also VERY
important.

You can purchase this product if you like and get more detailed stats actually
displayed on the poker table as you play, but this costs a monthly fee and isn’t
really necessary.

What you do now is take the information and type it into the notes on your
chosen poker site (usually right click on the players name or avatar).

If your opponent is a calling station, write “Calling Station – loose – pass/pass”.

That’s his player type (Calling Station) tight or loose player (Loose) and betting
style preflop/postflop (Passive/Passive).

Then next time you play this person, you will already know his playing style.

The Player Types and How to Play Them

- Shark – Tight Player – Aggressive pre-flop – Aggressive post flop

The best player type – Be careful when playing this guy. He will play very tight.
When he plays he has a good hand. He generally does not bluff. If he raises, he
definitely has a great hand.

- Rock – Tight Player – Passive pre-flop – Aggressive post flop

A good player who rarely bluffs. More easily scared off pre-flop than a Shark

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 - Warning – Tight or Loose Player – Passive pre-flop – Aggressive
postflop

The specific player profile will display if tight or loose. Fairly easy to read as only
plays/raises good hands. Careful as this player type is known to check a good
hand then raise aggressively if someone tries to steal the pot.

- Bomb – Loose Player – Aggressive pre-flop – Aggressive post flop

Can be difficult to play as he raises a lot and raises big. Wait for a good hand
and slow play him, he will try and bluff you and you can take him down.

- Maniac – Extremely Loose – Aggressive pre-flop – Aggressive post

flop

The crazy guy at the table who bets high way too often to steal many pots.
Bluffs a lot, but be careful he may not always be bluffing. Again, wait for a good
hand and slow play him.

- Mouse - Tight Player – Passive pre-flop – Passive post flop

Hardly plays any hands and never plays them for value. Too scared of losing
chips. Can be easily bluffed. Easy to read and push around, but if he bets he
has a good hand.

- Red Fish – Loose Player – Aggressive pre-flop – Passive post flop

Usually plays correctly pre-flop, but doesn’t bet his hands for their value, can be
bluffed after the flop or will let you chase a card for free.

- Green Fish – Loose Player – Passive pre-flop – Passive postflop

Plays without conviction. Can be more easily bluffed and will let you see free
cards.

- Calling Station – Loose Player – Passive pre-flop – Passive postflop

The most unprofitable player. The more of these at the table the better. Calls
too much, makes it easy to take their money when you have a decent hand.
They are always chasing draw cards, so be careful if they make their flush or
straight. Also, generally don’t try and bluff them as they will call.

14
4. Your Chip Stack

This is important for obvious reasons. If you have a large chip stack late in the
game you can afford to bully the small stacks a bit, if you are short stacked you
may need to tighten up your game.

For the purposes of this system:

Short Stack (SS) – less than 75%

Average (AV) - 75% - 150%
Large Stack (LS) - 150% +

5. Starting Hand Selction

Which starting hands you will play is determined by (you guessed it) the other 4
factors. As this is such an important point we will examine which hands to play
as we look at each step. The hands that will be played are listed below. You
have the hole cards listed in the column on the left, and then each other column
show your percentage chance of winning depending on the number of
opponents left in the hand.

Hand Number of Opponents

ACES

1 2 3 4 5
AA 85.3 73.4 63.9 55.9 49.2

Group A

KK 82.4 68.9 58.2 49.8 43

QQ 79.9 64.9 53.5 44.7 37.9
JJ 77.5 61.2 49.2 40.3 33.6

Group B

TT 75.1 57.7 45.2 36.4 30

99 72.1 53.5 41.1 32.6 26.6
88 69.1 49.9 37.5 29.4 24
Aks 67 50.7 41.4 35.4 31.1
77 66.2 46.4 34.4 26.8 21.9
AQs 66.1 49.4 39.9 33.7 29.4
AK 65.4 48.2 38.6 32.4 27.9
AJs 65.4 48.2 38.5 32.2 27.8
ATs 64.7 47.1 37.2 31 26.7

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AQ 64.5 46.8 36.9 30.4 25.9

Group C

AJ 63.6 45.6 35.4 28.9 24.4

KQs 63.4 47.1 38.2 32.5 28.3
66 63.3 43.2 31.5 24.5 20.1
A9s 63 44.8 34.6 28.4 24.2
AT 62.9 44.4 34.1 27.6 23.1
KJs 62.6 45.9 36.8 31.1 26.9
A8s 62.1 43.7 33.6 27.4 23.3
KTs 61.9 44.9 35.7 29.9 25.8
KQ 61.4 44.4 35.2 29.3 25.1
A7s 61.1 42.6 32.6 26.5 22.5
A9 60.9 41.8 31.2 24.7 20.3
KJ 60.6 43.1 33.6 27.6 23.5
QJs 60.3 44.1 35.6 30.1 26.1
55 60.3 40.1 28.8 22.4 18.5
A8 60.1 40.8 30.1 23.7 19.4
A6s 60 41.3 31.4 25.6 21.7
K9s 60 42.4 32.9 27.2 23.2

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Step 1 5 or 6 Players
Until there 4 players left at the table, the strategy is the same.

You need to maximise the pot when you have a good hand and minimise any
loss of chips.

ONLY PLAY THE HANDS LISTED ABOVE. In 6 handed SitnGo the first rounds
are simply a matter of maintaining your chip stack. The following is a list of
hands you should play until there are only 4 players (including you) left.

Any other hand you MUST FOLD. Unless you are the big blind and you are not
raised (if you are raised and hold anything other than the hands listed below,
you must FOLD), then play and see if you get lucky.

DO NOT go all in on anything except AA, KK, QQ and only then when raised.

How to play each hand at Step 1

ACES

Its amazing how many times I have seen people’s AA get cracked because they
played them badly.

As you can see from the table the percentage, the chance of winning with AA,
falls dramatically the higher the number of players. With a full table in a hand,
you have a less than 50% chance of winning. For this reason you MUST raise
with AA and push out the weaker hands that may get lucky. DON’T EVER think
about limping AA at this stage of the game.

Early/Mid/Late Table Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you a re-raised, go all in with AA. If you are raised
before your turn, GO ALL IN.

Post flop
No matter what, GO ALL IN. You have top pair, if anyone else is chasing a
draw, you will win most of the time.

Group A

Early/Middle/Late Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times the big blind. If re-raised any amount (including all in), call.

17
Post flop
If there are no over cards (cards higher than your pair) on the table, raise ALL
IN. If there is an over card on the table check or call a small bet (max 3 x big
blind). If opponent bets big, FOLD. DO NOT hang onto your KK if an ace is on
the table and your opponent bets big, YOU WILL LOSE!

Group B

Early/Middle/Late Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times the big blind. If re-raised any amount FOLD. If opponent plays
before you, FOLD if he raises more than 3 x big blind.

Post flop
If you flop top pair, bet 4 times the big blind. If re-raised, go all in if kicker is 10
or higher. If kicker is lower than 10, FOLD. If you don’t flop top pair, check and
fold to any bets, WITHOUT EXCEPTION.

Group C

Early/Middle/Late Position

Pre-flop
Call big blind only. If raised, FOLD

Post flop
If you flop top pair, bet 4 times the big blind. If reraised, go all in if kicker is 10 or
higher. If kicker is lower than 10, FOLD. If you don’t flop top pair or better, check
and fold to any bets, WITHOUT EXCEPTION.

18
Step 2 Four Players
Ok, only four players left, now things start to get interesting. Now you have to
begin to take into account your chip stack size and your opponent’s player type.

The blinds will inevitably be higher and this is when some players will start to try
and steal blinds more frequently, and so should you. But be careful, your
number one priority now is to make it onto Step 3 – The Bubble. Don’t do
anything silly that could bust you out.

You should still be playing tight, but using your knowledge of your opponent to
steal blinds.

Now you should play according to how many chips you have left and your
opponents player type.

If you are Short Stacked (SS – 75% or less) you are going to need to take more
chances. The blinds at this stage are going to be quite high and it is likely that 1
or all of your opponents have a substantially higher chip stack than you. If you
have a large stack you can relax a little. So this is how you should play.

Large Stack
If you reach this stage with a large stack (150% +) then you have done
everything right, this is where you should be. The key is to maintain it. Don’t
take chances and don’t get into races with anyone. No moves like AJ calling an
all in, you are asking for trouble.

ACES

Early/Mid/Late Table Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before
your turn, GO ALL IN.

Post flop
No matter what, GO ALL IN. You have top pair, if anyone else is chasing a
draw, you will win most of the time.

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Group A

Early/Mid/Late Table Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before
your turn, GO ALL IN.

Post flop
Providing an over card doesn’t flop, GO ALL IN. If an over card flops, check and
fold to any bets.

Group B

Early/Middle/Late Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times the big blind. If re-raised FOLD.

Post flop
If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big blind.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If raised FOLD. If opponent bets at any time,
check his player type. If he is a tight player (shark, mouse, etc.), you will
generally want to FOLD. If he is a loose aggressive player (bomb, maniac, etc.)
you should call if the bet is not more than around 10% of your chip stack,
anymore than that and you should fold.

If you don’t hit anything on the flop you need to do a continuation bet of 1 x big
blind. If opponent raises, FOLD. If opponent(s) calls, check the hand down. If
opponent bets at any time and you still have nothing, FOLD.

Group C

Early/Midde/Late Position

Pre-flop
Call big blind, if raised, FOLD

Postflop
If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big blind. If raised, go all in if kicker is higher than
10, if not, FOLD.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If raised FOLD. If opponent bets at any time,
check his player type. If he is a tight player (shark, mouse, etc.), you will
generally want to FOLD. If he is a loose aggressive player (bomb, maniac, etc.)
you should if the bet is not more than around 10% of your chip stack, anymore
than that and you should fold.

20
AVERAGE STACK
To get to four handed with an average stack is where you will find yourself most
of the time. You are doing well, be content and maintain your stack. No races,
no chances.

ACES

Early/Mid/Late Table Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before
your turn, GO ALL IN.

Post flop
No matter what, GO ALL IN. You have top pair, if anyone else is chasing a
draw, you will win most of the time.

Group A

Early/Mid/Late Table Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before
your turn, GO ALL IN.

Post flop
Providing an over card doesn’t flop, GO ALL IN. If an over card flops, check and
fold to any bets.

Group B

Early/Middle/Late Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times the big blind. If re-raised FOLD.

Post flop
If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big blind. If opponent raises, go all in if kicker is
higher than 10, if not FOLD.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If raised FOLD. If opponent bets at any time,
check his player type. If he is a tight player (shark, mouse, etc.), you will
generally want to FOLD. If he is a loose aggressive player (bomb, maniac, etc.)
you should if the bet is not more than around 10% of your chip stack, anymore
than that and you should fold.

21
If you don’t hit anything on the flop you need to do a continuation bet of 1 x big
blind. If opponent raises, FOLD. If opponent(s) calls, check the hand down. If
opponent bets at any time and you still have nothing, FOLD.

Group C

Early/Middle/Late Position

Pre-flop
Call big blind, if raised, FOLD

Postflop
If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big blind. If raised go all in only if kicker is higher
than 10, if not FOLD.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If raised FOLD. If opponent bets at any time,
check his player type. If he is a tight player (shark, mouse, etc.), you will
generally want to FOLD. If he is a loose aggressive player (bomb, maniac, etc.)
you should if the bet is not more than around 10% of your chip stack, anymore
than that and you should fold.

SHORT STACKED
ACES

Early/Mid/Late Table Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before
your turn, GO ALL IN.

Post flop
No matter what, GO ALL IN. You have top pair, if anyone else is chasing a
draw, you will win most of the time.

Group A

Early/Mid/Late Table Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before
your turn, GO ALL IN.

Post flop
Providing and Ace doesn’t flop, GO ALL IN. If an ace flops, check and fold to
any bets.

22
Group B

Early/Middle/Late Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times the big blind. If re-raised any amount (including all in), call.

Post flop
If you hit top pair, go ALL IN.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, bet 2 x big blind. If re-raised FOLD. If opponent(s) calls,
check the hand down. If opponent bets at any time, check his player type. If he
is a tight player (shark, mouse, etc.), you will generally want to FOLD. If he is a
loose aggressive player (bomb, maniac, etc.) you should call.

If you don’t hit anything on the flop you need to do a continuation bet of 1 x big
blind. If opponent raises, FOLD. If opponent(s) calls, check the hand down. If
opponent bets at any time and you still have nothing, FOLD.

Group C

When short stacked, use these hands to steal blinds by going all in when you
are on the button or other players have checked to you.

23
Step 3 – The Bubble
Ok, you’ve made it to the bubble, only 3 players left. After using all your poker
skills and investing your money and time, it is ABSOLUTELY imperative that
you make it into the money from this stage. Busting out now is NOT an option.

Your stack size is now very important. Blinds are likely very high. If you are not
the short stack at the table, you need to stay tight and hope the short stack gets
taken out. Again, don’t take any silly risks, and keep your eye on the player
type.

Large Stack
If you reach this stage with a large stack (150% +) then you have done
everything right. The key is maintain it.

ACES

Early/Mid/Late Table Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before
your turn, GO ALL IN.

Post flop
No matter what, GO ALL IN. You have top pair, if anyone else is chasing a
draw, you will win most of the time.

Group A

Early/Mid/Late Table Position

At this stage with any Group A hand, you should go all in.

Group B

Early/Middle/Late Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times the big blind. If re-raised by a short stacked opponent, re-raise all
in. If the other opponent has the same or more chips than you and re-rasies
you, FOLD.

24
Post flop
If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big blind. If re-raised by short stack, go all in. If the
other opponent has the same or more chips than you and re-raises FOLD if
your kicker is less than 10.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If raised, FOLD.
If you don’t hit anything on the flop you need to do a continuation bet of 1 x big
blind. If opponent raises, FOLD. If opponent(s) calls, check the hand down. If
opponent bets at any time and you still have nothing, FOLD.

Group C

Only play these hands to try and steal the blinds when you are on the button by
raising 2 x big blind. If you are raised, FOLD (unless the short stack goes all in
and it doesn’t cost too much to call him)

AVERAGE STACK
To get to the bubble with an average stack is where you will find yourself most
of the time. You are doing well, be content and maintain your stack. No races,
no chances.

ACES

Early/Mid/Late Table Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before
your turn, GO ALL IN.

Post flop
No matter what, GO ALL IN. You have top pair, if anyone else is chasing a
draw, you will win most of the time.

Group A

Early/Mid/Late Table Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before
your turn, GO ALL IN.

Post flop
Providing an over card doesn’t flop, GO ALL IN. If an over card flops, check and
fold to any bets.

25
Group B

Early/Middle/Late Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times the big blind. If re-raised FOLD.

Post flop
If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big blind. If opponent re-raises, go all in only if
kicker is higher than 10, if not FOLD.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If raised FOLD. If opponent bets at any time,
check his player type. If he is a tight player (shark, mouse, etc.), you will
generally want to FOLD. If he is a loose aggressive player (bomb, maniac, etc.)
you should if the bet is not more than around 10% of your chip stack, anymore
than that and you should fold.

If you don’t hit anything on the flop you need to do a continuation bet of 1 x big
blind. If opponent raises, FOLD. If opponent(s) calls, check the hand down. If
opponent bets at any time and you still have nothing, FOLD.

Group C

Early Position

Pre-flop
Call big blind, if raised, FOLD

Postflop
If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big blind. If opponent re-raises, go all in only if
kicker is higher than 10, if not, FOLD.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If raised FOLD. If opponent bets at any time,
check his player type. If he is a tight player (shark, mouse, etc.), you will
generally want to FOLD. If he is a loose aggressive player (bomb, maniac, etc.)
you should if the bet is not more than around 10% of your chip stack, anymore
than that and you should fold.

SHORT STACKED
ACES

Early/Mid/Late Table Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before
your turn, GO ALL IN.

26
Post flop
No matter what, GO ALL IN. You have top pair, if anyone else is chasing a
draw, you will win most of the time.

Group A

Early/Mid/Late Table Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before
your turn, GO ALL IN.

Post flop
Providing an Ace doesn’t flop, GO ALL IN. If an ace flops, check and fold to any
bets.

Group B

Early/Middle/Late Position

Pre-flop
Raise 3 times the big blind. If re-raised any amount (including all in), call.

Post flop
If you hit top pair, go ALL IN.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, Raise 3 x big blind. If opponent(s) calls, check the hand
down. If opponent bets at any time, check his player type. If he is a tight player
(shark, mouse, etc.), you will generally want to FOLD. If he is a loose
aggressive player (bomb, maniac, etc.) you should call.

Group C

Use these hands to steal blinds by going all in when you are on the button or
other players have checked to you. Otherwise don’t play the, unless desperate.

27
Step 4 – Heads Up

How to maximise your chances of placing first

After dodging all of the bullets for the last hour you are now down to the heads
up situation.

This is where you make a massive difference to your bankroll by making a few
simple changes to the way that you play the heads up part of your game.

If you don't have much heads up experience then you really need to brush up
this part of your game for this is where good play will be rewarded with a big
bankroll improvement.

As we discussed in bankroll management , if you continually place in the money

(taking second spot) but fail to win any games then you will drain your bankroll.
Slowly but surely it will dwindle away.

So you absolutely have to take down a game or two to maintain parity.

The way you can greatly improve your heads up game is very simple and it
does not involve the internet!

Take a deck of cards and keep dealing out hands to two imaginary players. Do
this for long enough and you will soon see how rare it is that monster hands get
dealt. Also how common it is for someone to be dealt A rag.

You'll also see that both players have to contend with being dealt absolute junk
for the most part.

Everyone seems to have a different strategy for playing the heads up part of the
game. Many people like to limp when on the button so they get more chances of
seeing flops. Heads up play can only be improved by experience but the
following tips will greatly improve your game.

This assumes your chip accounts are on a par.

Never move all in with junk to try and steal a blind. It's just not worth it. Play the
hands you have been given and raise when you think you have a raising hand
like K9, Q10, 10, J etc.

Discard your 2,3 and 7,2 and don't try any funny stuff. Several times people
have moved all in on me with 7,2 because they think it's clever to do so and got
looked up.

All connectors and hands like 8,10 or 4,6 are very good hands in a heads up
battle as you often get to see all five cards and can check to a straight.

28
Always take the free card. If you don't have a hand on the flop then always take
a free card. Don't start betting and bleeding chips if you have nothing. Most of
the time any pair is a good hand.

Always be prepared for a long and drawn out battle. Don't be fazed by someone
who keeps moving all in, eventually you will find a hand to call them with. A
good heads up war can easily take ten minutes or more before all the chips get
committed.

Always move all in with a pair or Ace with a good kicker. Never move all in with
anything else. A lot of the time your opponent will get bored and call with Q, 10.

Never call an all in with less than a pair if you can help it. Over the long run this
will make a big difference to your poker bankroll.

Don't try bluffing at pots on later streets. It's much too risky.

Heads up play is well worth the time spent learning if you are going to master
the six seat SNG, after all, that's where the money is!

Summary
So that is the system in its rawest detail. I have put that information into table
format that should be easier to follow on the next few pages. Depending on
what step you are at, whether it is short stacked with 4 players left or large stack
on the bubble, just select the corresponding table and refer to it while playing.

When you are consistently winning at $11 buy ins, move up to $22 buy in.
When you are consistently winning those, play 2 tables at $22 buy in. At this
point you will be making an average $200 per day.

29
5 or 6 Players

Hand Any Position

Preflop Postflop

Raise 3 times big blind. If you a re-raised, go all in with AA. If you are raised before your turn, No matter what, GO ALL IN. You have top pair, if anyone else is chasing a draw, you will win most of
ACES GO ALL IN. the time.

If there are no over cards (cards higher than your pair) on the table, raise ALL IN. If there is an over
Group A Raise 3 times the big blind. If re-raised any amount (including all in), call. card on the table check or call a small bet (max 3 x big blind). If opponent bets big (more than 3 x big
blind), FOLD.

Raise 3 times the big blind. If re-raised any amount FOLD. If opponent plays before you, If you flop top pair, bet 4 times the big blind. If reraised, go all in if kicker is 10 or higher. If kicker is
Group B FOLD if he raises more than 3 x big blind. lower than 10, FOLD. If you don’t flop top pair, check and fold to any bets, WITHOUT EXCEPTION.

If you flop top pair, bet 4 times the big blind. If reraised, go all in if kicker is 10 or higher. If kicker is
Group C Call big blind only. If raised, FOLD lower than 10, FOLD. If you don’t flop top pair or better, check and fold to any bets, WITHOUT
EXCEPTION.

30
4 players - Large Stack

Hand Any Position

Preflop Postflop

No matter what, GO ALL IN. You have top pair, if anyone else is chasing a draw, you will win
ACES Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before your turn, GO ALL IN. most of the time.

Providing an over card doesn’t flop, GO ALL IN. If an over card flops, check and fold to any
Group A Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before your turn, GO ALL IN.
bets.

If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big blind. If raised, go all in if kicker is higher than 10, if not,
FOLD.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If raised FOLD. If opponent bets at any time, check his player
type. If he is a tight player (shark, mouse, etc.), you will generally want to FOLD. If he is a
loose aggressive player (bomb, maniac, etc.) you should call if the bet is not more than around
Group B Raise 3 times the big blind. If re-raised FOLD. 10% of your chip stack, anymore more than that and you should fold.

If you don’t hit anything on the flop you need to do a continuation bet of 1 x big blind. If
opponent raises, FOLD. If opponent(s) calls, check the hand down. If opponent bets at any
time and you still have nothing, FOLD.

If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big blind. If raised, go all in if kicker is higher than 10, if not,
FOLD.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If raised FOLD. If opponent bets at any time, check his player
Group C Call big blind, if raised, FOLD
type. If he is a tight player (shark, mouse, etc.), you will generally want to FOLD. If he is a
loose aggressive player (bomb, maniac, etc.) you should if the bet is not more than around
10% of your chip stack, anymore than that and you should fold.

31
4 Players - Average stack

Hand Any Position

Preflop Postflop

No matter what, GO ALL IN. You have top pair, if anyone else is chasing a draw, you will win
ACES Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before your turn, GO ALL IN. most of the time.

Providing an over card doesn’t flop, GO ALL IN. If an over card flops, check and fold to any
Group A Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before your turn, GO ALL IN.
bets.

If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big blind. If opponent raises, go all in if kicker is higher than 10, if
not FOLD.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If raised FOLD. If opponent bets at any time, check his player
type. If he is a tight player (shark, mouse, etc.), you will generally want to FOLD. If he is a
loose aggressive player (bomb, maniac, etc.) you should if the bet is not more than around
Group B Raise 3 times the big blind. If re-raised FOLD. 10% of your chip stack, anymore than that and you should fold.

If you don’t hit anything on the flop you need to do a continuation bet of 1 x big blind. If
opponent raises, FOLD. If opponent(s) calls, check the hand down. If opponent bets at any
time and you still have nothing, FOLD.

If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big blind. If raised go all in only if kicker is higher than 10, if not
FOLD.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If raised FOLD. If opponent bets at any time, check his player
Group C Call big blind, if raised, FOLD
type. If he is a tight player (shark, mouse, etc.), you will generally want to FOLD. If he is a
loose aggressive player (bomb, maniac, etc.) you should if the bet is not more than around
10% of your chip stack, anymore than that and you should fold.

32
4 Players - Short Stack

Hand Any Position

Preflop Postflop

No matter what, GO ALL IN. You have top pair, if anyone else is chasing a draw, you will win
ACES Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before your turn, GO ALL IN. most of the time.

Providing an over card doesn’t flop, GO ALL IN. If an over card flops, check and fold to any
Group A Raise 3 times big blind. If you are re-raised, go all in. If you are raised before your turn, GO ALL IN.
bets.

If you hit top pair, go ALL IN.

If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, bet 2 x big blind. If re-raised FOLD. If opponent(s) calls, check the
hand down. If opponent bets at any time, check his player type. If he is a tight player (shark,
mouse, etc.), you will generally want to FOLD. If he is a loose aggressive player (bomb,
Raise 3 times the big blind. If re-raised any amount (including all in), call.
Group B maniac, etc.) you should call.

If you don’t hit anything on the flop you need to do a continuation bet of 1 x big blind. If
opponent raises, FOLD. If opponent(s) calls, check the hand down. If opponent bets at any
time and you still have nothing, FOLD.

Group C When short stacked, use these hands to steal blinds by going all in when you are on the button or other players have checked to you. Otherwise, don’t play them.

33
3 Players – The Bubble - Large Stack
Hand Early Position
Preflop Postflop
No matter what, GO ALL
Raise 3 times big blind. If you
IN. You have top pair, if
are re-raised, go all in. If you
ACES are raised before your turn,
anyone else is chasing a
draw, you will win most of
GO ALL IN.
the time.
Group A At this stage with any Group A hand, you should go all in.
If you hit top pair, bet 3
times big blind. If re-raised
by short stack, go all in. If
the other opponent has the
same or more chips than
you and re-raises FOLD if
your kicker is less than 10.
Raise 3 times the big blind. If
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair,
re-raised by a short stacked
check. If raised, FOLD.
opponent, re-raise all in. If the
Group B other opponent has the same
If you don’t hit anything on
the flop you need to do a
or more chips than you and
continuation bet of 1 x big
re-rasies you, FOLD.
blind. If opponent raises,
FOLD. If opponent(s) calls,
check the hand down. If
opponent bets at any time
and you still have nothing,
FOLD.
Only play these hands to try and steal the blinds when you are on the button by raising 2 x big blind. If you are re-raised, FOLD (unless the short stack goes all in and it doesn’t cost too much to call
Group C him).
Middle Position
Preflop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you
are re-raised, go all in. If you
are raised before your turn,
GO ALL IN.
At this stage with any Group A hand, you should go all in.
Raise 3 times the big blind. If
re-raised by a short stacked
opponent, re-raise all in. If the
other opponent has the same
or more chips than you and
re-rasies you, FOLD.
Postflop
No matter what, GO ALL IN.
You have top pair, if anyone
else is chasing a draw, you
will win most of the time.
If you hit top pair, bet 3
times big blind. If re-raised
by short stack, go all in. If
the other opponent has the
same or more chips than
you and re-raises FOLD if
your kicker is less than 10.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair,
check. If raised, FOLD.
If you don’t hit anything on
the flop you need to do a
continuation bet of 1 x big
blind. If opponent raises,
FOLD. If opponent(s) calls,
check the hand down. If
opponent bets at any time
and you still have nothing,
FOLD.
Late Position
Preflop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you are
re-raised, go all in. If you are
raised before your turn, GO ALL
IN.
At this stage with any Group A hand, you should go all in.
Raise 3 times the big blind. If re-
raised by a short stacked
opponent, re-raise all in. If the
other opponent has the same or
more chips than you and re-
rasies you, FOLD.
Postflop
No matter what, GO ALL IN. You
have top pair, if anyone else is
chasing a draw, you will win most
of the time.
If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big
blind. If re-raised by short stack,
go all in. If the other opponent has
the same or more chips than you
and re-raises FOLD if your kicker
is less than 10.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If
raised, FOLD.
If you don’t hit anything on the flop
you need to do a continuation bet
of 1 x big blind. If opponent raises,
FOLD. If opponent(s) calls, check
the hand down. If opponent bets at
any time and you still have
nothing, FOLD.
34
3 Players – The Bubble - Average Stack
Hand Early Position
Preflop
Raise 3 times big blind. If
you are re-raised, go all
ACES in. If you are raised
before your turn, GO ALL
IN.
Raise 3 times big blind. If
you are re-raised, go all
Group A in. If you are raised
before your turn, GO ALL
IN.
Raise 3 times the big
Group B blind. If re-raised FOLD.
Call big blind, if raised,
Group C FOLD
Postflop
No matter what, GO ALL IN. You have
top pair, if anyone else is chasing a
draw, you will win most of the time.
Providing an over card doesn’t flop,
GO ALL IN. If an over card flops,
check and fold to any bets.
If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big blind.
If opponent re-raises, go all in only if
kicker is higher than 10, if not FOLD.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If raised
FOLD. If opponent bets at any time,
check his player type. If he is a tight
player (shark, mouse, etc.), you will
generally want to FOLD. If he is a
loose aggressive player (bomb,
maniac, etc.) you should if the bet is
not more than around 10% of your chip
stack, anymore than that and you
should fold.
If you don’t hit anything on the flop you
need to do a continuation bet of 1 x big
blind. If opponent raises, FOLD. If
opponent(s) calls, check the hand
down. If opponent bets at any time and
you still have nothing, FOLD.
If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big blind.
If opponent re-raises, go all in only if
kicker is higher than 10, if not, FOLD.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If raised
FOLD. If opponent bets at any time,
check his player type. If he is a tight
player (shark, mouse, etc.), you will
generally want to FOLD. If he is a
loose aggressive player (bomb,
maniac, etc.) you should if the bet is
not more than around 10% of your chip
stack, anymore than that and you
should fold.
Middle Position
Preflop Postflop
Raise 3 times big blind.
No matter what, GO ALL IN. You
If you are re-raised, go
have top pair, if anyone else is
all in. If you are raised
chasing a draw, you will win most of
before your turn, GO
the time.
ALL IN.
Raise 3 times big blind.
If you are re-raised, go Providing an over card doesn’t flop,
all in. If you are raised GO ALL IN. If an over card flops,
before your turn, GO check and fold to any bets.
ALL IN.
If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big
blind. If opponent re-raises, go all in
only if kicker is higher than 10, if not
FOLD.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If
raised FOLD. If opponent bets at any
time, check his player type. If he is a
tight player (shark, mouse, etc.), you
will generally want to FOLD. If he is a
Raise 3 times the big loose aggressive player (bomb,
blind. If re-raised maniac, etc.) you should if the bet is
FOLD. not more than around 10% of your
chip stack, anymore than that and
you should fold.
If you don’t hit anything on the flop
you need to do a continuation bet of
1 x big blind. If opponent raises,
FOLD. If opponent(s) calls, check the
hand down. If opponent bets at any
time and you still have nothing,
FOLD.
If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big
blind. If opponent re-raises, go all in
only if kicker is higher than 10, if not,
FOLD.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If
raised FOLD. If opponent bets at any
Call big blind, if raised, time, check his player type. If he is a
FOLD tight player (shark, mouse, etc.), you
will generally want to FOLD. If he is a
loose aggressive player (bomb,
maniac, etc.) you should if the bet is
not more than around 10% of your
chip stack, anymore than that and
you should fold.
Late Position
Preflop Postflop
Raise 3 times big
No matter what, GO ALL IN. You
blind. If you are re-
have top pair, if anyone else is
raised, go all in. If you
chasing a draw, you will win most of
are raised before your
the time.
turn, GO ALL IN.
Raise 3 times big
blind. If you are re- Providing an over card doesn’t flop,
raised, go all in. If you GO ALL IN. If an over card flops,
are raised before your check and fold to any bets.
turn, GO ALL IN.
If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big
blind. If opponent re-raises, go all in
only if kicker is higher than 10, if not
FOLD.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If
raised FOLD. If opponent bets at any
time, check his player type. If he is a
tight player (shark, mouse, etc.), you
will generally want to FOLD. If he is a
Raise 3 times the big loose aggressive player (bomb,
blind. If re-raised maniac, etc.) you should if the bet is
FOLD. not more than around 10% of your
chip stack, anymore than that and
you should fold.
If you don’t hit anything on the flop
you need to do a continuation bet of
1 x big blind. If opponent raises,
FOLD. If opponent(s) calls, check the
hand down. If opponent bets at any
time and you still have nothing,
FOLD.
If you hit top pair, bet 3 times big
blind. If opponent re-raises, go all in
only if kicker is higher than 10, if not,
FOLD.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, check. If
raised FOLD. If opponent bets at any
Call big blind, if time, check his player type. If he is a
raised, FOLD tight player (shark, mouse, etc.), you
will generally want to FOLD. If he is a
loose aggressive player (bomb,
maniac, etc.) you should if the bet is
not more than around 10% of your
chip stack, anymore than that and
you should fold.
35
3 Players – The Bubble - Short Stack
Hand Early Position
Preflop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you
are re-raised, go all in. If you
ACES are raised before your turn,
GO ALL IN.
Raise 3 times big blind. If you
are re-raised, go all in. If you
Group A are raised before your turn,
GO ALL IN.
Raise 3 times the big blind. If
re-raised any amount
Group B (including all in), call.
Use these hands to steal blinds by going all in when you are on the button or other players have checked to you. Otherwise don’t play these, unless desperate.
Group C
Postflop
No matter what, GO ALL IN. You
have top pair, if anyone else is
chasing a draw, you will win most
of the time.
Providing an ACE doesn’t flop,
GO ALL IN. If an over card flops,
check and fold to any bets.
If you hit top pair, go ALL IN.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, Raise 3 x
big blind. If opponent(s) calls,
check the hand down. If
opponent bets at any time, check
his player type. If he is a tight
player (shark, mouse, etc.), you
will generally want to FOLD. If he
is a loose aggressive player
(bomb, maniac, etc.) you should
call.
Middle Position
Preflop
Raise 3 times big blind. If you
are re-raised, go all in. If you
are raised before your turn,
GO ALL IN.
Raise 3 times big blind. If you
are re-raised, go all in. If you
are raised before your turn,
GO ALL IN.
Raise 3 times the big blind. If
re-raised any amount
(including all in), call.
Postflop
No matter what, GO ALL IN. You
have top pair, if anyone else is
chasing a draw, you will win most
of the time.
Providing an ACE doesn’t flop,
GO ALL IN. If an over card flops,
check and fold to any bets.
If you hit top pair, go ALL IN.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, Raise 3 x
big blind. If opponent(s) calls,
check the hand down. If
opponent bets at any time, check
his player type. If he is a tight
player (shark, mouse, etc.), you
will generally want to FOLD. If he
is a loose aggressive player
(bomb, maniac, etc.) you should
call.
Late Position
Preflop Postflop
Raise 3 times big blind.
No matter what, GO ALL IN.
If you are re-raised, go
You have top pair, if anyone
all in. If you are raised
else is chasing a draw, you will
before your turn, GO
win most of the time.
ALL IN.
Raise 3 times big blind.
Providing an ACE doesn’t flop,
If you are re-raised, go
GO ALL IN. If an over card
all in. If you are raised
flops, check and fold to any
before your turn, GO
bets.
ALL IN.
If you hit top pair, go ALL IN.
If you hit 2nd or 3rd pair, Raise 3
x big blind. If opponent(s) calls,
check the hand down. If
Raise 3 times the big
opponent bets at any time,
blind. If re-raised any
check his player type. If he is a
amount (including all
tight player (shark, mouse, etc.),
in), call.
you will generally want to FOLD.
If he is a loose aggressive
player (bomb, maniac, etc.) you
should call.
36
Appendix

Starting hands and their percentage chance of winning against a specific number of
opponents.

Hand Opponents

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
AA 85.3 73.4 63.9 55.9 49.2 43.6 38.8 34.7 31.1
Aks 67.0 50.7 41.4 35.4 31.1 27.7 25.0 22.7 20.7
AK 65.4 48.2 38.6 32.4 27.9 24.4 21.6 19.2 17.2
AQs 66.1 49.4 39.9 33.7 29.4 26.0 23.3 21.1 19.3
AQ 64.5 46.8 36.9 30.4 25.9 22.5 19.7 17.5 15.5
AJs 65.4 48.2 38.5 32.2 27.8 24.5 22.0 19.9 18.1
AJ 63.6 45.6 35.4 28.9 24.4 21.0 18.3 16.1 14.3
ATs 64.7 47.1 37.2 31.0 26.7 23.5 21.0 18.9 17.3
AT 62.9 44.4 34.1 27.6 23.1 19.8 17.2 15.1 13.4
A9s 63.0 44.8 34.6 28.4 24.2 21.1 18.8 16.9 15.4
A9 60.9 41.8 31.2 24.7 20.3 17.1 14.7 12.8 11.2
A8s 62.1 43.7 33.6 27.4 23.3 20.3 18.0 16.2 14.8
A8 60.1 40.8 30.1 23.7 19.4 16.2 13.9 12.0 10.6
A7s 61.1 42.6 32.6 26.5 22.5 19.6 17.4 15.7 14.3
A7 59.1 39.4 28.9 22.6 18.4 15.4 13.2 11.4 10.1
A6s 60.0 41.3 31.4 25.6 21.7 19.0 16.9 15.3 14.0
A6 57.8 38.0 27.6 21.5 17.5 14.7 12.6 10.9 9.6
A5s 59.9 41.4 31.8 26.0 22.2 19.6 17.5 15.9 14.5
A5 57.7 38.2 27.9 22.0 18.0 15.2 13.1 11.5 10.1
A4s 58.9 40.4 30.9 25.3 21.6 19.0 17.0 15.5 14.2
A4 56.4 36.9 26.9 21.1 17.3 14.7 12.6 11.0 9.8
A3s 58.0 39.4 30.0 24.6 21.0 18.5 16.6 15.1 13.9
A3 55.6 35.9 26.1 20.4 16.7 14.2 12.2 10.7 9.5
A2s 57.0 38.5 29.2 23.9 20.4 18.0 16.1 14.6 13.4
A2 54.6 35.0 25.2 19.6 16.1 13.6 11.7 10.2 9.1
KK 82.4 68.9 58.2 49.8 43.0 37.5 32.9 29.2 26.1
KQs 63.4 47.1 38.2 32.5 28.3 25.1 22.5 20.4 18.6
KQ 61.4 44.4 35.2 29.3 25.1 21.8 19.1 16.9 15.1
KJs 62.6 45.9 36.8 31.1 26.9 23.8 21.3 19.3 17.6
KJ 60.6 43.1 33.6 27.6 23.5 20.2 17.7 15.6 13.9
KTs 61.9 44.9 35.7 29.9 25.8 22.8 20.4 18.5 16.9
KT 59.9 42.0 32.5 26.5 22.3 19.2 16.7 14.7 13.1
K9s 60.0 42.4 32.9 27.2 23.2 20.3 18.1 16.3 14.8
K9 58.0 39.5 29.6 23.6 19.5 16.5 14.1 12.3 10.8
K8s 58.5 40.2 30.8 25.1 21.3 18.6 16.5 14.8 13.5
K8 56.3 37.2 27.3 21.4 17.4 14.6 12.5 10.8 9.4
K7s 57.8 39.4 30.1 24.5 20.8 18.1 16.0 14.5 13.2
K7 55.4 36.1 26.3 20.5 16.7 13.9 11.8 10.2 9.0
K6s 56.8 38.4 29.1 23.7 20.1 17.5 15.6 14.0 12.8
K6 54.3 35.0 25.3 19.7 16.0 13.3 11.3 9.8 8.6
K5s 55.8 37.4 28.2 23.0 1 9.5 17.0 15.2 13.7 12.5
K5 53.3 34.0 24.5 19.0 15.4 12.9 11.0 9.5 8.3
K4s 54.7 36.4 27.4 22.3 19.0 16.6 14.8 13.4 12.3
K4 52.1 32.8 23.4 18.1 14.7 12.3 10.5 9.1 8.0
K3s 53.8 35.5 26.7 21.7 18.4 16.2 14.5 13.1 12.1
K3 51.2 31.9 22.7 17.6 14.2 11.9 10.2 8.9 7.8
K2s 52.9 34.6 26.0 21.2 18.1 15.9 14.3 13.0 11.9
K2 50.2 30.9 21.8 16.9 13.7 11.5 9.8 8.6 7.6
QQ 79.9 64.9 53.5 44.7 37.9 32.5 28.3 24.9 22.2
QJs 60.3 44.1 35.6 30.1 26.1 23.0 20.7 18.7 17.1
QJ 58.2 41.4 32.6 26.9 22.9 19.8 17.3 15.3 13.7
QTs 59.5 43.1 34.6 29.1 25.2 22.3 19.9 18.1 16.6
QT 57.4 40.2 31.3 25.7 21.6 18.6 16.3 14.4 12.9
Q9s 57.9 40.7 31.9 26.4 22.5 19.7 17.6 15.9 14.5

37
Q9 55.5 37.6 28.5 22.9 19.0 16.1 13.8 12.1 10.7
Q8s 56.2 38.6 29.7 24.4 20.7 18.0 16.0 14.4 13.2
Q8 53.8 35.4 26.2 20.6 16.9 14.1 12.1 10.5 9.2
Q7s 54.5 36.7 27.9 22.7 19.2 16.7 14.8 13.3 12.1
Q7 51.9 33.2 24.0 18.6 15.1 12.5 10.6 9.2 8.0
Q6s 53.8 35.8 27.1 21.9 18.5 16.1 14.3 12.9 11.7
Q6 51.1 32.3 23.2 17.9 14.4 12.0 10.1 8.8 7.6
Q5s 52.9 34.9 26.3 21.4 18.1 15.8 14.1 12.7 11.6
Q5 50.2 31.3 22.3 17.3 13.9 11.6 9.8 8.5 7.4
Q4s 51.7 33.9 25.5 20.7 17.6 15.4 13.7 12.4 11.3
Q4 49.0 30.2 21.4 16.4 13.3 11.0 9.4 8.1 7.1
Q3s 50.7 33.0 24.7 20.1 17.0 14.9 13.3 12.1 11.1
Q3 47.9 29.2 20.7 15.9 12.8 10.7 9.1 7.9 6.9
Q2s 49.9 32.2 24.0 19.5 16.6 14.6 13.1 11.9 10.9
Q2 47.0 28.4 19.9 15.3 12.3 10.3 8.8 7.7 6.8
JJ 77.5 61.2 49.2 40.3 33.6 28.5 24.6 21.6 19.3
JTs 57.5 41.9 33.8 28.5 24.7 21.9 19.7 17.9 16.5
JT 55.4 39.0 30.7 25.3 21.5 18.6 16.3 14.5 13.1
J9s 55.8 39.6 31.3 26.1 22.4 19.7 17.6 15.9 14.6
J9 53.4 36.5 27.9 22.5 18.7 15.9 13.8 12.1 10.8
J8s 54.2 37.5 29.1 24.0 20.5 17.9 15.9 14.4 13.2
J8 51.7 34.2 25.6 20.4 16.8 14.1 12.2 10.7 9.5
J7s 52.4 35.4 27.1 22.2 18.9 16.4 14.6 13.2 12.0
J7 49.9 32.1 23.5 18.3 14.9 12.4 10.6 9.2 8.1
J6s 50.8 33.6 25.4 20.6 17.4 15.2 13.5 12.1 11.1
J6 47.9 29.8 21.4 16.5 13.2 11.0 9.3 8.0 7.0
J5s 50.0 32.8 24.7 20.0 17.0 14.7 13.1 11.8 10.8
J5 47.1 29.1 20.7 15.9 12.8 10.6 8.9 7.7 6.7
J4s 49.0 31.8 24.0 19.4 16.4 14.3 12.8 11.5 10.6
J4 46.1 28.1 19.9 15.3 12.3 10.2 8.6 7.5 6.5
J3s 47.9 30.9 23.2 18.8 16.0 14.0 12.5 11.3 10.4
J3 45.0 27.1 19.1 14.6 11.7 9.8 8.3 7.2 6.3
J2s 47.1 30.1 22.6 18.3 15.6 13.7 12.2 11.1 10.2
J2 44.0 26.2 18.4 14.1 11.3 9.4 8.0 7.0 6.2
TT 75.1 57.7 45.2 36.4 30.0 25.3 21.8 19.2 17.2
T9s 54.3 38.9 31.0 26.0 22.5 19.8 17.8 16.2 14.9
T9 51.7 35.7 27.7 22.5 18.9 16.2 14.1 12.6 11.3
T8s 52.6 36.9 29.0 24.0 20.6 18.1 16.2 14.8 13.6
T8 50.0 33.6 25.4 20.4 16.9 14.4 12.5 11.0 9.9
T7s 51.0 34.9 27.0 22.2 19.0 16.6 14.8 13.5 12.4
T7 48.2 31.4 23.4 18.4 15.1 12.8 11.0 9.7 8.6
T6s 49.2 32.8 25.1 20.5 17.4 15.2 13.6 12.3 11.2
T6 46.3 29.2 21.2 16.5 13.4 11.2 9.5 8.3 7.3
T5s 47.2 30.8 23.3 18.9 16.0 13.9 12.4 11.2 10.2
T5 44.2 27.1 19.3 14.8 11.9 9.9 8.4 7.2 6.4
T4s 46.4 30.1 22.7 18.4 15.6 13.6 12.1 11.0 10.0
T4 43.4 26.4 18.7 14.3 11.5 9.5 8.1 7.0 6.2
T3s 45.5 29.3 22.0 17.8 15.1 13.2 11.8 10.7 9.8
T3 42.4 25.5 18.0 13.7 11.0 9.1 7.8 6.8 6.0
T2s 44.7 28.5 21.4 17.4 14.8 13.0 11.6 10.5 9.7
T2 41.5 24.7 17.3 13.2 10.6 8.8 7.5 6.6 5.8
99 72.1 53.5 41.1 32.6 26.6 22.4 19.4 17.2 15.6
98s 51.1 36.0 28.5 23.6 20.2 17.8 15.9 14.5 13.4
98 48.4 32.9 25.1 20.1 16.6 14.2 12.3 10.9 9.9
97s 49.5 34.2 26.8 22.1 18.9 16.6 14.9 13.6 12.5
97 46.7 30.9 23.1 18.4 15.1 12.8 11.1 9.8 8.8
96s 47.7 32.3 24.9 20.4 17.4 15.3 13.7 12.4 11.4
96 44.9 28.8 21.2 16.6 13.5 11.4 9.8 8.7 7.8
95s 45.9 30.4 23.2 18.8 16.0 13.9 12.4 11.3 10.3
95 42.9 26.7 19.2 14.8 12.0 10.0 8.5 7.4 6.6
94s 43.8 28.4 21.3 17.3 14.6 12.7 11.3 10.3 9.4
94 40.7 24.6 17.3 13.2 10.5 8.7 7.3 6.4 5.6
93s 43.2 27.8 20.8 16.8 14.3 12.5 11.1 10.1 9.2

38
93 39.9 23.9 16.7 12.7 10.1 8.3 7.1 6.1 5.4
92s 42.3 27.0 20.2 16.4 13.9 12.2 10.9 9.9 9.1
92 38.9 22.9 16.0 12.1 9.6 8.0 6.8 5.9 5.2
88 69.1 49.9 37.5 29.4 24.0 20.3 17.7 15.8 14.4
87s 48.2 33.9 26.6 22.0 18.9 16.7 15.0 13.7 12.7
87 45.5 30.6 23.2 18.5 15.4 13.1 11.5 10.3 9.3
86s 46.5 32.0 25.0 20.6 17.6 15.6 14.1 12.9 11.9
86 43.6 28.6 21.3 16.9 13.9 11.8 10.4 9.2 8.3
85s 44.8 30.2 23.2 19.1 16.3 14.3 12.9 11.8 10.9
85 41.7 26.5 19.4 15.2 12.4 10.5 9.1 8.1 7.3
84s 42.7 28.1 21.4 17.4 14.8 13.0 11.7 10.6 9.8
84 39.6 24.4 17.5 13.4 10.8 9.0 7.8 6.8 6.1
83s 40.8 26.3 19.8 16.0 13.6 11.9 10.7 9.7 8.9
83 37.5 22.4 15.7 11.9 9.5 7.9 6.7 5.8 5.1
82s 40.3 25.8 19.4 15.7 13.3 11.7 10.5 9.6 8.8
82 36.8 21.7 15.1 11.4 9.1 7.5 6.4 5.6 4.9
77 66.2 46.4 34.4 26.8 21.9 18.6 16.4 14.8 13.7
76s 45.7 32.0 25.1 20.8 18.0 15.9 14.4 13.2 12.3
76 42.7 28.5 21.5 17.1 14.2 12.2 10.8 9.6 8.8
75s 43.8 30.1 23.4 19.4 16.7 14.8 13.4 12.3 11.4
75 40.8 26.5 19.7 15.5 12.8 11.0 9.7 8.7 7.9
74s 41.8 28.2 21.7 17.9 15.3 13.5 12.2 11.2 10.4
74 38.6 24.5 17.9 13.9 11.4 9.7 8.5 7.6 6.8
73s 40.0 26.3 20.0 16.4 14.0 12.3 11.1 10.1 9.3
73 36.6 22.4 16.0 12.3 9.9 8.4 7.2 6.4 5.7
72s 38.1 24.5 18.4 15.0 12.8 11.2 10.1 9.2 8.5
72 34.6 20.4 14.2 10.7 8.6 7.2 6.1 5.4 4.8
66 63.3 43.2 31.5 24.5 20.1 17.3 15.4 14.0 13.1
65s 43.2 30.2 23.7 19.7 17.0 15.2 13.8 12.7 11.9
65 40.1 26.7 20.0 15.9 13.3 11.5 10.2 9.2 8.5
64s 41.4 28.5 22.1 18.4 15.9 14.2 12.9 11.9 11.1
64 38.0 24.7 18.2 14.4 12.0 10.3 9.2 8.3 7.6
63s 39.4 26.5 20.4 16.8 14.5 12.9 11.7 10.8 10.0
63 35.9 22.7 16.4 12.8 10.6 9.1 8.0 7.2 6.5
62s 37.5 24.8 18.8 15.4 13.3 11.8 10.7 9.8 9.1
62 34.0 20.7 14.6 11.2 9.1 7.8 6.8 6.0 5.4
55 60.3 40.1 28.8 22.4 18.5 16.0 14.4 13.2 12.3
54s 41.1 28.8 22.6 18.9 16.5 14.8 13.5 12.5 11.7
54 37.9 25.2 18.8 15.0 12.6 11.0 9.8 8.9 8.2
53s 39.3 27.1 21.1 17.5 15.2 13.7 12.5 11.6 10.8
53 35.8 23.3 17.1 13.6 11.4 9.9 8.8 8.0 7.3
52s 37.5 25.3 19.5 16.1 14.0 12.5 11.4 10.6 9.8
52 33.9 21.3 15.3 12.0 10.0 8.6 7.6 6.8 6.2
44 57.0 36.8 26.3 20.6 17.3 15.2 13.9 12.9 12.1
43s 38.0 26.2 20.3 16.9 14.7 13.1 12.0 11.1 10.3
43 34.4 22.3 16.3 12.8 10.7 9.3 8.3 7.5 6.8
42s 36.3 24.6 18.8 15.7 13.7 12.3 11.2 10.4 9.6
42 32.5 20.5 14.7 11.5 9.5 8.3 7.3 6.6 6.0
33 53.7 33.5 23.9 19.0 16.2 14.6 13.5 12.6 12.0
32s 35.1 23.6 18.0 14.9 13.0 11.7 10.7 9.9 9.2
32 31.2 19.5 13.9 10.8 8.9 7.7 6.8 6.1 5.6
22 50.3 30.7 22.0 17.8 15.5 14.2 13.3 12.5 12.0

39
Poker Dictionary
3 Bet - The first re-raise (putting 3 bets in).
Absolute Nuts - The best possible hand, based on the board cards. Sometimes simply
called ‘the nuts’.
Action - The amount of money wagered by a player during a playing Session. In poker, the
placing money into the pot.
Active - One who is still in the pot.
All In - To push all of your remaining chips into the pot.
Anchor - The player sitting in the last position at a poker table before the dealer. This is the
person who makes the final decision, thereby anchoring the game.
Ante - A term usually used in poker to refer to the first money wagered on a hand, or the
minimum amount that each player is required to put into the pot before a new hand can
begin.
American Airlines - A pair of Aces.
Angling - Taking action or talking when it is not your turn in order to mislead your
opponent. Some consider this to be cheating, others consider these tactics to be a part of
the game.
Animal - Nickname for a player that is loose aggressive. Animals are involved in too many
hands and will almost always bet and raise when given the opportunity, often with garbage
hands. Also known as a maniac.
Baby - A low ranked card (usually 2 through 5).
Back Into - To make a hand that is different than the hand you were originally trying for.
Backdoor - An unfinished hand that requires help from both the turn and river in order to
win. Also known as a runner hand.
Backdoor Flushes – Even worse than the gutshot is the backdoor flush. This is when you
need two perfect cards of the same suit to complete your hand.
Bad Beat – To have a hand that is the clear mathematical favorite lose to a heavy
underdog (especially if that hand should not have been involved in the pot).
Bankroll – The total amount of money a player has for a gaming session.
BB – An abbreviation for Big Blind.
Belly Buster – A draw to fill an inside straight, aka a .gutshot..
Bet – A wager or gamble
Betting Limits – The minimum and maximum that can be wagered on one bet.
Big Blind – The position two to the left of the button, who is forced to pay a full small bet
prior to the hole cards being dealt in Hold’em.
Big Chick – In Texas Hold’em, an Ace and a Queen (suited or unsuited) as your hole
cards.
Big Slick – An opener of A K suited
Blind Bet – A bet that certain poker players are required to make as a result of their betting
position.
Bluff – In poker, players bluff when raising a weak hand in the hope of driving out players
with a stronger hand.
Bump – To raise
Burn Card – Any card placed in the discard rack without being entered into play. After the
deck is shuffled and cut, one card is burned.
B&M – Brick and Mortar; a real life casino (as opposed to an online casino).
Big Slick – In Texas Hold’em, an Ace and a King (suited or unsuited) as your hole cards.
Blank – A card that appears useless. Also known as a rag.
Board – The community cards.
Boat – Full house.

40
Bonus Whoring – Belonging to several online poker sites and always taking advantage of
each deposit bonus offered.
Bounty – A reward given in a tournament to someone who meets certain criteria. Some
examples of these criteria from Zoo tournaments are: knocking a certain person out of the
tournament, winning with a certain hand, and finished the tournament is a certain position.
BR – An abbreviation for bankroll.
Broadway – An ace high straight.
Bubble – Finishing a tournament in the spot nearest the money. Example: In a 60 person
tournament, if the top 8 spots pay, finishing 9th would be finishing on the .bubble..
Bullets – A pair of Aces.
Bump It – To raise.
Bust Out – To lose your buy in.
Button – The disk that represents the dealer in a given hand.
Buy In – The amount of money that is necessary to play a particular game, or the amount
of money that you use to play a game.
Buy the Button – Betting or raising in order to make any players between you and the
button fold. If successful, you are now last to act on any subsequent rounds of betting.
Buy the Pot – To bluff bet or raise in order to win the pot.
Chips – Tokens used at gaming tables in lieu of cash.
Chop – To return the blinds to the players who posted them and move on to the next hand
if nobody calls the blind.
Chopping the Blinds – When 2 players agree to take back their blind bets if there is no
action ahead of them. Note that once you agree to chop the blinds with your neighbor, you
are expected to always chop the blinds with them.
Chum – Bait that is used to attract hungry sharks and send them into a feeding frenzy.
Don’t be chum.
Cold – A player on a losing streak.
Cold Call – To call more than one bet at a time. Note that this is not the same as calling a
bet, then calling a subsequent raise since you are calling 2 single bets.
Complete Hand – A poker hand that is defined by all five cards. That is a straight, flush,
straight flush, or a full house.
Cut – The dealer divides the deck of cards into two parts and then inverts them after they
have been shuffled.
Color Down – Exchanging chips for those of a lower denomination.
Color Up – Exchanging chips for those of a higher denomination.
Come Hand – A drawing hand. Example: An open ended straight is a come hand.
Complete the Bet – When the small blind chooses to call by putting in the chips necessary.
Connectors – Consecutive suited or unsuited cards that assist in making a straight.
Counterfeit – When your hand loses value because a board card duplicates it or a board
card gives others a similar hand. Example: You hold A 4 and the board is A 7. Your hand
has just been counterfeited, since your 2 pair is no longer as valuable as it was prior to the
turn.
Cowboys – A pair of Kings.
Cripple – (An opponent) To win a critical hand in a tournament, leaving your opponent very
short stacked.
Cripple the Deck – Your hand contains most or all of the beneficial cards that could be
used in conjunction with the board.
Crying Call – To call with no cards to come, while expecting to lose.
Cutoff – The person to the right of the button.
Dark – Taking action, such as checking or betting, without seeing your hole cards. This is
also used when the person who is first to act takes action prior to the next board card
being revealed.

41
Dead Money – Money that has been put in the pot by people who are no longer in
contention to win the pot.
Dealer – A casino employee who deals the various games.
Drop Box – On a gaming table, the box that serves as a repository for cash, markers, and
chips.
Dominated Hand – A hand that contains 3 or fewer outs against another hand. Example:
AK dominates AQ, since AQ needs one of the remaining 3 Queens in the deck in order to
beat AK. I believe this term is credited to Abdul Jalib.
Double Up – In no limit, winning a heads up pot when you have gone all in (thus, doubling
your chip total).
Ducks – A pair of Twos.
Dump – To fold a hand.
Edge – The casino’s advantage over the player in any game. Also known as house edge.
EMP – An abbreviation for .Early Middle Position.. 196
EP – An abbreviation for .Early Position..
EP cold – Called UTG’s raise.
Face Cards – The king, queen or jack of each suite.
Family Pot – A pot in which many players are involved in the hand.
Fast – Used to describe playing a hand aggressively.
Fish – A poor poker player, relative to their competition.
Flash – To show one or more of your cards, usually when it is not required.
Flat Call – To call one or more bets without raising, when you are quite sure that you have
the best hand. See also smooth call.
Floor – Shortened form of “Floor Person”: a casino employee who helps to seat players
and makes rules decisions when a dispute arises.
Flush – A hand consisting of five cards of one suit.
Fold – When a player declines a bet and drops out of the hand.
Four Of A Kind – Four cards of the same rank. Also known as quads.
Full House – A hand consisting of a three of a kind and a pair.
Forced Bet – A mandatory bet.
FPS – “Fancy Play Syndrome”. Playing tricky when you probably should have played
straight forward. [Personal note: I think this should also stand for “F*cking Poor Strategy”]
Free Card Play – Betting or raising in late position on the flop in the hopes that the other
players will check to you on the turn, give you the option of seeing the river card for free.
Free Ride – A round in which no one bets.
Free Roll – Having a lock on half the pot, but also having a chance to win the whole pot.
Example: Player X holds Ks Qc, and player Y holds Kd Qd and the flop comes Kc 7d 4d.
Both players are tied for high hand, but Player Y is free rolling because he could win the
entire pot if a diamond comes.
Freeze Out – Tournament that only ends when one person has won all of the tournament
chips.
GrannyMae – Nickname for having Qs5s as your hole cards. This is credited to long time
2+2 forum poster GrammyMae.
Gutshots – A gutshot is a straight draw where only one card makes your hand.
Gutshot Straight – A straight that requires an inside cards to complete. Also known as a
Belly Buster.
Hand History – Records of games played at online sites that show all of.
Hit – When the flop cards are helpful to your hand.
HL – An abbreviation for “High Limit”.
Hold Up – When a hand that is leading manages to win the pot at showdown.
Hole – Your unique cards that are hidden from everyone else. Also known as pocket.
Hooks – A pair of Jacks.

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Image – The perception that other people have of your playing style.
Inside Straight – A straight that requires an inside card to complete, as opposed to an
open ended straight. Also known as a belly buster or gutshot.
Jam – Lots of action, especially raising.
Kicker – A card used as a tie breaker when 2 hands are nearly identical. For example, if 2
hands contain a pair of Tens, the hand that has the highest card in addition to the pair of
Tens would win. This card is called the kicker. Thus, a pair of Tens with an Ace kicker
beats a pair of Tens with a Queen kicker.
Kill (or Kill Game) – A hand that is played for double stakes based on the previous hand
meeting certain criteria.
Kill Button – A button that is placed in front of the player who is responsible for a kill game.
Knuckle – To check (as in knocking on the table).
Kojak – Having a King and a Jack as your hole cards.
LAG – An abbreviation for Loose Aggressive.
Lay Down – To fold a hand.
Limp In – To enter the round by calling a bet, rather than raising.
Long Odds – A low probability of a certain thing happening.
Maverick – Starting hand of Q J.
Maniac – Nickname for a player that is loose aggressive. Manics are involved in too many
hands and will almost always bet and raise when given the opportunity, often with garbage
hands. Also known as an animal.
Marry – To become too attached to a hand, usually seeing a showdown when it was clear
that you should have folded earlier.
ML – An abbreviation for “No limit”.
Nut – The best possible type of hand, such as “nut flush” or “nut straight”; this is not
necessarily the absolute nuts.
Nuts – The best possible hand, based on the board cards. Sometimes called the absolute
nuts.
Offsuit – Cards that are not of the same suit.
Open Raise – Raising as the first one in the pot preflop (rather than simply calling the bet).
Option – The choice given to the player in the big blind, allowing them to call or raise.
Orbit – One complete rotation around the table.
Outkicked – To lose to another hand with a better kicker than yours.
Outrun – To beat a hand that you were losing to on an ealier street.
Outs – Cards remaining in the deck that will help your hand win a pot.
Overcall – Calling a bet after at least one other person has already called.
Overcard – A pocket card that is higher than the highest board card.
Overpair – A pocket pair that is higher than the highest board card.
Paint – Another term for a face card.
Pass – To not bet, to fold.
Pay Off – To call a river bet when the prior action leads you to believe that you are beat,
but the pot is big enough to make the call reasonable.
Peel One Off – Deciding to see the turn or river when the odds don’t quite justify a call.
PF – An abbreviation for “pre flop”.
Pocket – Your unique cards that are hidden from everyone else. Also known as a hole.
Pocket Rockets – Another term for 2 aces as your hole cards.
Pop – To bet or raise.
Post – To pay the blind(s) when not in the big blind position, often done when first sitting at
a table or when you sat out and missed your turn to pay the blinds.
Poster – Someone who posted during the current hand.
Pot – The amount of money that accumulates in the middle of the table as each player
antes, bets, and raises. The pot goes to the winner of the hand.

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Presto – Holding a pair of 5’s as your hole cards in Texas Hold’em. 201.
Puck – Button.
Push (a hand) – To play a hand aggressively.
Put – To suspect that someone has a certain hand.
Quads – Four of a kind.
Rag – A card that appears useless. Also known as a blank.
Ragged – A board containing cards that don’t appear helpful.
Railbird – Game observers. Railbirds should not comment on game play.
Rainbow – A board that contains all different suits, making it impossible for a flush on the
next card.
Raise – A player raises by matching the previous bet and then betting more, to increase
the stake for remaining players.
Rake – The money that the casino charges for each hand of poker. It is usually a
percentage (5 10%) or flat fee that is taken from the pot after each round of betting.
Rainbow – Three of four cards of different suits.
Rank – The worth of a set of cards.
Ring – The worth of a set of cards.
Ring Game – A game that is played for actual stakes, as opposed to a tournament game.
Also known as a live game.
Rivered – Losing a hand on the river, while you were ahead and the clear favorite on the
turn. Can also be used to describe a hand being made using the river card.
Rock – A tight player who is normally only involved in hands in which he/she is the heavy
favorite to win. A rock will generally only bet or raise with top notch hands.
Rock Garden – A game comprised of many rocks.
Rockets – Another term for 2 aces as your hole cards.
ROI – An abbreviation for .Return on Investment..
Rounder – A professional poker player.
Rounders – A movie released in 1998 that portrays Matt Damon and Edward Norton as
poker players.
Royal Flush – An ace high straight flush; the best possible hand.
Runner Runner – A come hand that requires help from both the turn and river in order to
win. Also known as a backdoor hand.
Running Bad – Losing for a period of time.
Sandbag – Another term for slow playing.
SB – An abbreviation for small blind.
Scare Card – A board card that can easily turn a winning hand into a losing hand. The
classic scare card example is when you hold KK and board flops an Ace.
Scoop – Winning an entire pot, usually (but not necessarily) by having a hand that is both
the high and low hand in a split game.
Scooting – Giving someone a small amount of chips when you win a pot. Also called
horsing.
Sell a Hand – Playing a very strong hand weakly in order to disguise your strength and
keep other players from folding. Also known as slow playing.
Semi Bluff – A term coined by David Sklansky. To bet or raise with more cards to come
when you believe your hand is currently beaten, but has a fair chance of improving into the
best hand.
Session – A period of time spent playing in a poker game, normally measured in hours.
Set – Three of a kind when you hold a pair in your hand and a third shows on the board.
Short Stack – A relatively small amount of chips (as compared to the other players at the
table).
Side Pot- The extra pot that is created when someone goes all in. The person who went all
in is only eligible for the main pot, not the side pot(s).

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Singleton – A card that is the only one of its rank.
Slow Down – To stop playing a hand as aggressively as it was played on earlier streets.
Slow Play – Playing a very strong hand weakly in order to disguise your strength and keep
other players from folding. Also known as sandbagging.
Small Bet – In a limit game, the smaller of the two bets in the betting structure. Therefore,
in a 10/20 game, each $10 bet is considered a small bet.
Small Blind – The position one to the left of the button, who is forced to pay a fraction
(usually ½ or 2/3) of a small bet prior to the hole cards being dealt in Hold’em.
Smooth Call – To call one or more bets without raising, when you are quite sure that you
have the best hand. See also flat call.
SNG – An abbreviation for a .Sit and Go. Tournament, as opposed to a scheduled
tournament.
Spike – For the next board card to be a specified rank that you need to help your hand.
Splash – Tossing your chips into the pot, rather than placing them on the table in front of
your cards. Splashing the pot is frowned upon.
Spread – For a casino or poker room to offer a certain poker game.
Stack – The amount of money you currently have at the table.
Steal – To win the pot by bluffing.
Steal the Blinds – Preflop open betting from the cutoff or button in the hopes that everyone
following you will fold.
Steaming – Playing recklessly, usually as a result of a bad beat (real or perceived). Also
known as tilt or tilting.
Straight – In a poker, a hand consisting of five cards of consecutive ranks.
Straight Flush – A hand consisting of five cards of consecutive ranks of the same suit.
Straddle – An optional raise by the person to the immediate left of the big blind, declared
before the cards are dealt. Also known as a “live straddle”, because that same person then
has the option to reraise.
String Bet – A raise that is not done in one single motion (this is not allowed in any casino,
to my knowledge).
The purpose of string betting is to call a bet, quickly gauge your opponents’ reactions, then
decide that you’d like to raise instead.
Stuck – Losing, often in regards to a certain amount of chips.
Suck Out – To win a hand with a hand that was a heavy underdog. This implies that the
winner should not have been in the hand, and was very lucky to win the pot.
Sweat – Observing all or part of a session that one player is involved in, with their consent.
TA – An abbreviation for Tight Aggressive.
Table Coach – The table know it all who likes to tell everyone how he or she should be
playing their cards.
Tap Out – Losing all of your money.
Tells – A .tell. in poker is when you pick up on the behavior of another player that gives
you a strong sense of strength or weakness of their hand.
Three Bet – The first re-raise (putting 3 bets in).
Three Of A Kind – Three cards of the same rank.
Throwing a Party – When several loose or amateur players are making significant
monetary contributions to the pot.
Tilt – Playing recklessly, usually as a result of a bad beat (real or perceived). Also known
as steaming.
Trap – When one player is caught between 2 (or more) bettors / raisers, and is unlikely to
win the pot.
Trips – Three of a kind.
Two Pair – A hand consisting of two sets of pairs and a singleton.
Under the Gun - The first player to act in a given round of betting.

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Underdog – A hand that is unlikely to win the pot.
Underpair – A pocket pair that is lower than the lowest board card.
Value Bet – A bet in which you wish for your opponent(s) to call. This could be because
you have thebest hand or because you have enough outs in order to make this bet
profitable in the long run.
Wheel – A 5 high straight, also known as a bicycle.
Wired Pair Holding a pair in the hole.
Whale – A high roller.
WPT – An abbreviation for the “World Poker Tour”.

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or in part is expressly forbidden under international law without written consent. Offenders will be
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