eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Keep a Poker Face in a Game of Poker

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer

Poker is a game of strategy, deception and luck. Without the first two you'll be hard pressed to win a hand, even with the best luck in the world. Learning effective poker strategy takes time, but beginners can improve their game immediately by working on their poker face.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Accept that you're not going to win every hand. You'll set yourself up for disappointment if you expect otherwise, which can lead you to make revealing facial expressions at the wrong time.

  2. Step 2

    Keep your emotions in check when you get beaten badly. Even if you bust on a big bluff, try to relax and prepare for the next hand.

  3. Step 3

    Use visualization to calm down during tight hands. Imagine yourself calmly riding out a tough situation, like a storm at sea or a mountaintop blizzard. This helps you relax and set your emotions straight.

  4. Step 4

    Have a positive attitude while you're playing. Maintaining an even emotional keel is essential to becoming a better player. Remember you're doing something you love, whether you're winning or losing.

  5. Step 5

    Avoid overbluffing. Knowing when to bluff and when to play it straight gives your poker face a rest and allows you to concentrate on other aspects of your strategy. Bluffing too much can be draining and may eventually cause you to make a mistake.

  6. Step 6

    Make logic and reason your mainstays when deciding your strategy. Don't call someone's bluff if it won't benefit you or you could wait for a better time to do it. Also, play your hand for what it's worth and bluff only when you think will work.

Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Hobbies, Games & Toys Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Hobbies, Games and Toys
eHow_eHow Hobbies, Games and Toys