Whatever type of poker you are playing, maybe its free online poker, pay poker or poker with friends, there are two types of players when sitting at a Texas Holdem table, the ones who play the cards and the others who play the player. So, which type of play is best? And how do you know if you are playing the right one? Well, in my experience, I try to play both.

After a few years of playing the game and learning how to figure out and know the "outs", hand percentages, etc., it did help my game tremendously, but not nearly as much as I had hoped. What I did not factor in, was the style of play by others. Playing the player is a strategy that should not be overlooked.

Many players will play nearly any cards dealt to them. Bluff out the table to take in the pot. Other times just plain get lucky and "donk". After all it is poker and any 2 cards can typically win a hand.

So, how do you beat other players? Well, the answer is simple… watch your opponent before you take them on at a table. Spend time watching their style, when they bet, how much, do they reraise often. This can be quite time consuming but can be very educational and helpful when you are ready to sit and play against them.

Does it always work to your advantage? The answer is no. It is poker and a game of chance after all. No matter how great your poker skills are, you are not always going to win. However, by taking on this strategy of watching your opponents before you play them, you are much more likely to win more hands than you otherwise would have. You may not win every hand or every time, but you will win more than just playing your cards.

Good luck with these tips and I hope to see you at the free online poker tables soon!