Now that we’ve covered the very important subject of Pot Odds, it is time to look at when to bet, how to bet, and how much to bet in No-Limit Texas Hold’em games. In my opinion, betting strategy also varies between tournament and ring (cash) game play, due to the fact that in one you’re merely trying to insure your position; while in the other you are definitely trying to maximize return value on your bets. In this article, we’ll touch on the ring game betting strategies, simply because tournament strategy is much more intertwined with various other elements.

Another one of the most important aspects to consider at the table, is not yourself and your own play; but that of your opponents. It will always be necessary to adjust your game and your playing style based on the people you’re playing against. No-Limit Hold’em rewards people who can adjust to styles of play that contradict their opponents styles of play.

Consider the four most common traits of players at a poker table. For the terminology here, we’ll say tight refers to the starting hands you’ll play, and aggression relates to the size and scope of your bets.

• The Rock – the conservative player who will only get into hands that he knows he can win. Will throw away most cards pre-flop unless they’re pairs or high suited connectors. Will typically limp, and post-flop will only play if they have a hand. Another term would be Tight-Passive, as they are afraid to spend money to make money without an absolutely rock solid hand.

• The Maniac – the opposite of the conservative player, someone who will throw money at anything – pre-flop and post-flop. Thinking they’re the next big thing in poker, will more often than not bluff or re-raise with bottom pair. Maniacs are prone to wild bankroll swings, they tend to win big; but also lose big. Could also be considered Loose-Aggressive play as they will put money into any two cards.

• The calling station – typically a newer player. They are probably the easiest to spot, as they will play any two cards and rarely fold pre-flop. They’ll check the flop, turn, and river hoping for free cards; but will call any bet you put into them. Calling stations are both a curse and a godsend: if you have a made hand, you can milk them for a lot of cash; however, they’ll call to see all five board cards typically and will draw out on you.

• Tight-Aggressive – Arguably, the most consistently winning playing style in No-Limit Texas Hold’em. Rarely do Tight-Aggressive players limp in, instead, they follow a “pump-it or dump-it” philosophy; either folding or raising pre-flop. Post-flop play will typically be marked with aggressive bets if they hold a confident hand. While playing a Tight-Aggressive style is a good way to play, it is typically easy to spot, and its easy to avoid.

Generally, every player can be grouped into one of the four categories above, especially at lower limits. So after examining their play, determine your best course of action. If you’re playing against a lot of Tight-Aggressive players, it is best to stay out of the way unless you have a good hand as well. If you’re playing against a Maniac, wait for a dominant hand and then take them down. If you’re playing against several calling stations, obviously, it makes sense to bet; but only enough to keep them around and calling (if there is no draw on the board).

Probably the most important aspect to consider in all this though is that you will be labeled in these categories well. Typically, I like to mix it up every 30 minutes or several orbits, starting off playing a few hands very loose-passive and getting to the show down if I can cheaply enough. Then I’ll shift gears and starting playing more aggressive or rock-solid. If you can figure out your opponents, but they can’t figure out you, then you’re already one step ahead of the game.

So now that we’ve covered what kind of people are at a table, its time to actually look at the betting strategies necessary to win at Texas Hold’em.

Part 2 Coming soon ....