Intermediate Poker Tutorial

Playing against the average poker player can be difficult. You do not know who is above or below average. It's difficult to tell in the beginning who is tight and who is loose. Even though this is the case, most poker players do fall for the same tactics outlined below. These lessons are brought to you courtesy of the players that interact with Poker Watchdogs.

Check, Call, Raise

Let's pretend that you start with a nice solid hand:

You raise before the flop.

Two other players call your raise.

The flop comes Ace-Clubs, Eight-Diamond, Queen-Spades.

You are first to act. Most average players would raise this. But, you are going to check.

The next player checks.

The next player makes a small bet.

Most average players would raise (called check-raising). But, you are going to make a slow call. TIP: If online, take 5-7 more seconds than you normally would. Then call, believe it or not this actually works and other average players will think your hand is weak.

The next player folds.

The next card comes Seven-Hearts.

Your opponent comes out with a pot sized bet.

Now, you re-raise him! Raise him 70% of the pot. The average player will not be able to lay down his/her pair of Aces and will not put you on two pair.

This type of Check, Call, Raise works well against the average players because most average players are wise to the check-raise. Note: If the player re-raises you or moves all-in, watch out for the set (three of a kind) and fold.