Different Poker Plays and Strategies
Poker plays refer to the numerous playing strategies used in a game of poker. Think of poker plays as a sort of playing style and you’ll have a good understanding.
Many poker plays are dependent on the personality and self-discipline of the player. Manic players, who love the rush of big bets, will gravitate toward aggressive plays while armchair general type players may prefer the mental style of the bluffing or check-raise plays. The best players will use the play most likely to give them the pot and to keep their opponents on their toes.
One of the most exciting (and highly recommended) poker plays is the “Aggression” or “Aggressive Play”. Moves like opening and raising are considered aggressive. Aggressive play is best used for certain situations, such as when you have a strong hand. Overuse of this play will brand you a “maniac” or a “loose player” and leave you vulnerable to other players.
“Bluffing Plays” are used to change your opponents’ action for your benefit. For example, if you have a poor hand, a successful bluffing play will cause your opponent to fold. You either win or you increase your chances of having the best card if other players are out of the game.
“Slow Plays” is bluffing’s opposite. A slow player bets weak in an attempt to keep players in game. Players who might otherwise fold might stay in the game because they assume the person with the strong hand has an inferior hand (also, with lower bets, more people may stay in the game in hopes of getting one more card.) As the game progresses, the “slow player” may even find himself or herself being raised, as their hand is perceived as weak. This is exactly what the slow play hopes to accomplish.
A “Protection Play” is a bet made with a strong yet vulnerable hand (like a top pair where a flush or a straight is also possible.) It shares some similarities with bluffing but isn’t dependant on having all the other players fold. A protection player can still win with its own hand but it’s not as likely to happen unless other players fold.
“Check-Raise Plays” happen when a player (with a strong hand) checks early in the round and gets someone else to open. Then the person who checked will raise the bet. Check-raises allow a player to win more money than through normal betting. This play is sometimes forbidden, so it’s best to check before you start playing.
So there you have it, some great poker plays to use (and to watch out for) the next time you sit down at your favorite game.
