Beware Of No Limit Landmines

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September 30th, 2019
Back Beware Of No Limit Landmines

Let's pretend that you are playing no limit Texas Hold'em.

You find yourself with pocket jacks. One of the players raises. It's a reasonable raise and so you call. It's been a good game for you so far. You started with a $50 buy-in and now you have nearly $500 in chips in front of you, or a 10 to one return on your investment.

The flop comes A-7-6. It seems like a perfect flop for you. It isn't. It happens to be a disaster.

The raiser holds pocket aces, which puts you in a terrible position. In the next minute or so you are going to lose all your winnings as well as your initial investment. The raiser will bet, you will raise, and he will re-raise you all in.

This happens to poker players more often than they will admit. I don't know how many poker players I have seen with huge amount of chips who suddenly lost everything. It doesn't have to happen.

The problem with no limit Hold'em is really very simple. You can lose all your chips and all your winnings in a single hand if somebody has you covered. It doesn't have to happen that way.

I don't enjoy the prospects of losing everything on a single hand. That is why I play different than most people.

First, I decide how many chips I need in order to walk away from the table and cash in. That arbitrary number could be five to one, eight to one or 10 to one. If my buy-in is $50, that means when I am looking at $250, $400, or $500, I suddenly remember that I need a break. I pick up my chips, cash in and either go on a food break or find another table.

I have pocketed my winnings and simply buy in for another $50 or $100. My mind is clear, I have made a profit, and I am happy. Isn't that what poker is supposed to be all about?

No limit poker is a game that is loaded with land mines. People sometimes get caught up with the action and the excitement. They forget that what goes up can come down. Suddenly your smile is replaced by a frown and a realization that you are now back to square one.

A winning streak is wonderful, but nobody can win forever. Give yourself a little protection. Kenny Rogers' song "The Gambler" says you got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, but you've got to also know when to cash in.

From my own personal observations, I have become convinced that most no limit players don't understand this concept.

A tournament is set up under the concept that for a relatively small amount of chips you can get lucky (or skillful) and win a lot of chips. You buy in for a certain amount and all the other players contribute to the prize amount. You don't risk any larger amount of money.

The next time you play poker, be aware of the big chip piles. Be aware of your own wins and act accordingly. Know when to cash in and take a break. You'll be fine.

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