<SPAN>This is the 2<SUP>nd</SUP> part of a 3 part series.<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN>

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<SPAN>A few things to keep in mind when you read this:</SPAN>

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<UL type=disc> <LI class=MsoNormal><SPAN>Essentially these are tips I took over a few years time with some added detail to make them understandable to someone other than myself.<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN> <LI class=MsoNormal><SPAN>By no means is this a complete reference of all Poker fundamentals as there are many that I may not even mention.<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN> <LI class=MsoNormal><SPAN>This comes from my point of view and is just one guys opinion. </SPAN> <LI class=MsoNormal><SPAN>There is no particular order; I just wrote stuff as the light bulb turned on for me.</SPAN> <LI class=MsoNormal><SPAN>There are exceptions to every one of these tips.<SPAN> </SPAN>The better you understand the game the more exceptions you will find. <READMORE></SPAN></LI>[/list]<SPAN> </SPAN>

<SPAN>If you like this blog or have any questions let me hear from you.</SPAN>

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<SPAN>john@texastroll.com</SPAN>

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<SPAN>---Troll</SPAN>





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Don’t play Scared</SPAN><SPAN> – If you’re too afraid to lose, you can’t win.<SPAN> </SPAN>Play to win, don’t play not to lose.</SPAN>

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<SPAN>Good Poker players smell fear in the way you act at the table.<SPAN> </SPAN>A scared, timid player can’t be a winning player.<SPAN> </SPAN>Play smart but play aggressive.<SPAN> </SPAN>In all my tips you will see examples of not playing scared.<SPAN> </SPAN>If you want to win consistently you have make it happen, not wait for it to happen.</SPAN>

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<SPAN>Where’s your Head?</SPAN><SPAN> – If your head is not 100% in the game you shouldn’t even be at the table.</SPAN>

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<SPAN>This is a lesson I still have a problem with to this day.<SPAN> </SPAN>I’m just now getting to the point where I can push back from my PC and decide not to play anymore.<SPAN> </SPAN>I read this same advice in Super System and it’s absolutely true.<SPAN> </SPAN>When I’m tired, angry, drunk, bored, short on time or distracted in some why I don’t play good poker.<SPAN> </SPAN>If you are going to play at your best you have to be focused not just on your game but the table as a whole.<SPAN> </SPAN>Every hand played gives you subtle clues about the other players and help you win the next hand.<SPAN> </SPAN>This leads nicely into my next note.</SPAN>

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Playing multiple game</SPAN><SPAN> – In general this is a bad idea. The beauty of playing online is you can play multiple games at one time but it’s also very dangerous.<SPAN> </SPAN>For every additional game you play, your chances of winning are diminished.<SPAN> </SPAN>Playing different types and levels of games can also confuse things more.</SPAN>

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<SPAN>I hear people say they play 5-10 games at one time.<SPAN> </SPAN>I’m here to tell you there is no way anyone can be successful doing that for any length of time.<SPAN> </SPAN>Fact of the matter is the human brain can only handle between 3-6 tasks simultaneously.<SPAN> </SPAN>Couple that with the focus required to play a solid poker game and it’s a no win situation. </SPAN>

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<SPAN>So much information is lost when you try to play multiple games that your play is basically scripted and you’re at a huge disadvantage.<SPAN> </SPAN>You are simply going thru the motions, making canned moves, playing specific hands and will inevitably be very predictable.</SPAN>

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<SPAN>As a rule if I’m in a “major” tournament, that’s all I will play.<SPAN> </SPAN>I may also have a small cash game or TEC going if it’s early but nothing of any consequence.<SPAN> </SPAN>I will play as many as 3 SnGs at once but I usually limit myself to only 2.</SPAN>

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<SPAN>Patience is the key to winning</SPAN><SPAN> - You should fold many more hands than you play.<SPAN> </SPAN>Play smart, be patient and let others make mistakes.</SPAN>

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<SPAN>You ever had a person at your table that didn’t show up and eventually he just gets blinded out?<SPAN> </SPAN>Ever think it’s funny how far in the tournament the missing player gets?<SPAN> </SPAN>That should speak volumes to you about being patient and waiting for the right time to play.<SPAN> </SPAN>A great deal of playing winning poker is to keep focused and not get anxious. You should be looking for reasons to fold a hand instead convincing yourself to play.</SPAN>

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<SPAN>Table Image</SPAN><SPAN> – How others perceive your play is very important.<SPAN> </SPAN>Always be aware of your image and how it may affect others play. </SPAN>

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<SPAN>If you make a stupid call or stay in with trash and get caught - use that to your advantage later.<SPAN> </SPAN>Everyone will remember your loose play and be more apt to call your bets and raises.<SPAN> </SPAN>Tighten up and trap someone big!<SPAN> </SPAN>If you haven’t played a hand in awhile people think you are a tight player.<SPAN> </SPAN>Make a random raise and steal a few hands.<SPAN> </SPAN>Lastly, when you are moved to a new table you have no image; use that as well.</SPAN>

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<SPAN>Play to win!</SPAN><SPAN> – There are 3 kinds of people with money.</SPAN>

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<SPAN><SPAN>·<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN>Came easy thru inheritance, lottery, etc</SPAN>

<SPAN><SPAN>·<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN>Works hard, scrimps and saves to get ahead</SPAN>

<SPAN><SPAN>·<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN>Works hard, will risk everything for what he believes in</SPAN>

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<SPAN>If the worst happens and you lose everything which of those groups would you most want to be in?<SPAN> </SPAN>Only one of those three groups is likely to rebuild their fortune after loosing it all.<SPAN> </SPAN>I say this not just from reading Fortune Magazine but from experience.<SPAN> </SPAN>You have these same 3 types of people in poker.</SPAN>

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<SPAN><SPAN>·<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN>Donkey that has an unreal run of cards – gets all his money in with the worst hand and sucks out every time</SPAN>

<SPAN><SPAN>·<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN>Safe, tight player usually gets close to or makes the money but often lacks the chips to go all the way</SPAN>

<SPAN><SPAN>·<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN>Smart, aggressive player liable to be at a final table at anytime – never count him out</SPAN>

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<SPAN>Based on your current play, which of these groups do you fall into?<SPAN> </SPAN>Which group do you want to be in?</SPAN>
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