UNIQUE FEATURES OF POKER
Poker is a game of skill; luck and psychology also play a part, but unlike other casino games that rely entirely on luck, winning poker requires skill.
A skillful poker player can change the odds in the game to his favor by using position, psychology, bluffing, and other methods to increase his chances to win the pot and increase the size of the pots he wins.
No other casino game allows the player to manipulate the odds-only poker. Poker is a game of money management.
It more closely resembles the board game of patience that most closely resembles hunting and has no analogy in any other casino game.
A knowledge of the critical features of poker is necessary to form an understanding of the game.
Like other games in a casino, poker is a gambling game.
Unlike most other games, bets are made among the players, not between the players and the house. The casino is essentially renting the space to players.
Casinos collect rent by either taking a small amount from each pot, by charging each player a small hourly rate, or by variations of the two collection methods.
Table games, games where you bet against the house, are designed so that the house always has an edge. You can get lucky and win at table games, but over the long haul you will be a loser.
The result from an individual poker session has a lot to do with luck.
The structure of the game, however, is such that a player with an understanding of the game can be a long-term winner, whereas those who don’t really understand the game will be losers.
That makes poker an ideal gambling game for those willing to work to improve their understanding of the game.
Note that I didn’t say you will be a winner.
Many players understand the game very well, but engage in enough self-destructive tendencies later in the book.
Those without an interest in learning about the game should probably just buy lottery tickets if they want to gamble.
The fact that you’re reading this book suggests that you’re interested in understanding the game, which is the first step toward becoming a winning player.
why play poker ? / poker versus other casino games
keeping score with money / the basics of poker / mathematics of poker
