How to Beat Small Stakes Poker and Move Up

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to set goals and aim for growth. As poker players, this translates to beating the game in order to play bigger and bigger games and will let us win more chips.

That’s why you need an edge. By being more skilled than your opponents, all you need is the put in the time in order to move up. These are our top tips for climbing the poker ladder.

1: Increase Your Aggression

Many players call way too often and don’t 3-bet and 4-bet often enough. You should actively work to win pots both small and large. Instead of calling raises with nonsense, wait until you have a reasonable hand and then make big bets.

Don’t go crazy though. Play a tight range and play it well. That means putting your opponents into touch situations and forcing them to fold.

2: Bet for Thin Value on the River

In small games, people don’t check-raise nearly enough on the river, nor do they protect their passive actions (calls, checks) with strong hands. The result is an opponent that’s easy to read. Are they betting? They probably have it. However, when they check to you, you probably have the best hand if you have a made hand. Make a value bet.

Keep in mind, however, that if you’re using this exploit and you do get check-raised, you should overfold. They’ve got it this time. 3: Player Tighter in Multiway Pots When lots of people see the flop, someone will always have something. If it isn’t you, then it’s probably one of your opponents. Proceed with caution. This is especially common in small games, where lots of people limp and call with all sorts of hands. While a hand like top pair top kicker is almost always going to be good in a heads up pot, you’re much more likely to hit hands like 2 pair, sets, or better in a multiway pot. 4: Don’t Overplay Marginal Hands

Leading or re-reraising with marginal hands is almost always a mistake. The goal of hands like middle pair is almost always to get to showdown and realize your equity without putting too many chips in the pot. So play passively. Don’t try to price out of the draws by betting. You’re playing against an entire range. Sure, the draws will fold, but you beat most of them anyway. You’ll then be left only against hands that beat you. 5: Study Hard and Improve Every Day

The most important thing you can do to grow as a poker play is have the right mindset and work ethic. If you really want to move up int his game, you need to work hard and study just as much as you play. That time you spend away from the table will help you to make better decisions and win more chips. Constantly review your play. Look for areas to improve. That’s how you become the poker player that you want to become.