Knowing When to Utilize Mind Games in Poker

The application of a Poker strategy will be dependent on the situation that you face, and this extends to the mental aspect of the game as well. To harness this tactic efficiently, you have to be certain that you use it at the right time.

There will be times when mind games will not work; for example, you are down to the last card on the board. Any spade will give you the flush and the win, while a 5 will hand your opponent the full house. In this case, it is entirely up to the cards.

Another time when mind games can be a futile, or even dangerous, Poker strategy is when you are playing at low limits. Here, attempting to advertise a play or making a continuation bet to signal strength, may get you into trouble, as your opponents will either totally ignore it, or worse, read it incorrectly.

If you play online Poker you will often come across comments from players about how psychology does not seem to work as well when competing against calling stations and tourists. Their inexperience is the reason why. Faced with these players, just play a straight game.

You will want to use psychology as a Poker strategy when you are in the upper limits, and in a big money tournament. There are no hard and fast rules on how mind games can be applied of course; it will depend on the player you are facing and also the circumstances.

For example, if you are in the blinds, raising to protect it against a tight player, even with a small hand like K4, can be effective if you won the previous hand.

Mind games are also applicable when you are in a tight Poker cash game. Here you can get into your opponent's head by raising and playing several hands. An essential point to remember here is that you must never show your cards. You may be tempted to turn up that 28 you used to get the player with the AJ to fold, but do not. It is better to keep them guessing.

Psychology and mental games are a legitimate Poker strategy, and every good player should be aware of them. Just as important however, is knowing the time when to apply it and when to just play the cards. Learn the difference, and you will find it easier to play and win the game.