How to Win Your Casual Poker Game Against Average Players - Bet, Raise, and Re-Raise!

There are lots of great poker books written by professionals. This isn't one of them. I'm a slightly above average player and would lose to the professionals 9 times out of 10. But I've played in lots of friendly cash games with normal, regular players. And I've won lots of money in these games. If you want to become a professional, this article isn't for you. But if you want to beat your friends and win a couple bucks in your friendly cash games, then I'm here to help!

The Competition

There can be a wide range of competition in casual games. Generally the players aren't great. This makes them different from those the professionals face. This generally makes them more predictable. Average players will often bet when they have a good hand, and will often fold when they don't have a good hand.

Interestingly, average players are more likely than professionals to play a flush or straight draw. So when the board has a flush or a straight possibility, you want to be extra careful in your casual games. I suggest folding to almost every strong bet in these situations, unless you become predictable.

Ignore Your Cards

The first thing I want you to do is ignore your cards. As long as you know what the other player has, your cards are irrelevant. And fortunately, your non-professional competition will usually tell you what they're holding.

Raise Pre-Flop

Make sure somebody raises before the flop. If nobody does it, you should. You don't want to let people with funny hands playing on a whim. Make them pay to play so you have a better what they're holding. If somebody has a big pocket pair and raises back, there's nothing wrong with folding. Just don't make it obvious that you're raising regardless of your hand and that you'll fold to a re-raise. You don't want to become predictable.

Be the First to Bet