Limitations of Poker Strategy

It is important to acknowledge that the game of poker is largely about strategy. That does not, however, mean that strategy can always ensure you win every game. Strategy needs to be properly applied in order to be beneficial and one strategy is not a universal answer to all different types of poker games.

The Situation Dictates the Strategy

Knowing when to use a particular strategy is equally as important as having identified a strategy in the first place. A particular way of playing in one situation might work very well, but is also very likely to fail in a different type of game. Many beginners find that the most difficult task is learning when to apply what they have learned, and differentiating from one situation to the next. When using a mismatched strategy to the type of game, you are not increasing your chances of winning and in some cases you may actually be hurting them.

Example Strategies

The concept of applying the right strategy to the correct situation may be a hard concept to grasp but is integral to doing well in poker tournaments. Consider the number of players from one game to the next and how that might impact your bidding patterns. Consider how some games will generate extra money if you win more hands while others reward for the number of people you knock out of competition; in this latter case it is clearly more important to remove people from the game than to ensure every single hand is won. You may, for example, decide to hone in on the weakest opponents first and then move on.

Ultimately, practice may not make perfect but it can certainly give context that can be used in future play. Remember that every type of game is different and may require a different plan of attack. Assess the goals of the game and then determine how you intend to reach them.