In the Money

By Jamie Sharpe
4-29-06

Strategy for Successfully Playing Texas Hold ‘Em

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I sat down with professional poker player, Phil Meer. I know that he plays all the time at Full Tilt Poker.  He is not what you would consider a razzle-dazzle chip monger; he’s more of the tortoise that you don’t see coming. His slow and steady approach (he’s used this strategy in almost 700 hundred tournaments) consistently has him “in the money” and confident about his play.

Phil outlined his 5 basic rules for Texas Hold ‘Em:

Every time you sit down, commit to only playing a subset of strong hands. Don’t put money into the pot unless you believe you can win the hand (eliminate luck in the beginning stages of the game).

“The problem with most players is that they waste money on hands they can’t win. In the long run, it’s a numbers game. The simple fact is that you’re going to lose money if you’re seeing too many flops”.

Phil advises only playing pocket 8’s or better; Ace 6 or better suited; Ace Jack or better suited; all 10’s and pictures if suited. If you have been playing for a while, Phil suggests playing suited connectors; pocket pairs; 7’s or lower. However, he is clear that this style of play should be reserved for tables with weak competitors.

Don’t play with pride. Rivalries are ridiculous and a costly way to burn through cash.

“If you believe someone has better cards, don’t be afraid to throw away a good hand. Bluffing should never be about showing someone up. However, if you decide to bluff, don’t be afraid to look stupid. Everyone pays a learner’s tax -- it’s all part of the game”.

Once you are in a good hand, make sure you know all of the tricks that will yield the highest rate of return on the pot.

“Slow playing is underrated by most players, even professionals. When you are in a position of power, don’t broadcast it to the table. Pick up extra points by acting weak when you are strong”. Phil says that complicated strategy is not effective, because every table and every game is different. The old adage is true, “play the people at the table, don’t worry about the game. Most people don’t realize that you learn more about your competitors by talking to them, instead of solemnly psyching everyone out. Even the slightest break in etiquette indicates an amateur player, and it is your job to capitalize on their mistakes”.

“Check raising is another form of appearing vulnerable, while remaining powerful. Let another person bet before raising, and you will sweeten the pot”.

“If your initial cards are strong, semi-bluff on the draw (bid strong) and try to bluff your opponents out of the pot”.

Believe in yourself, and make the conscious decision to channel the positive energy of your life into your game. If you are unable to do this, walk away.

“The biggest weakness I see across the board is a lack of discipline. If you are playing badly and down a few hundred dollars due to sloppy play, ego, external factors, or superior players, leave the table”.

Phil believes that it is the savvy-sophisticated player that cuts losses quickly. Consistency over time translates into putting a bad evening out of its misery. Losing a few hundred dollars is easier to swallow than loosing few thousand, or even more.

Know the psychology of the game.

“Don’t let poker own you! No matter what happens, don’t chase your losses”.

His easy going style has made him a successful player who has his priorities in order. One day, “I want to take everything that I have learned and counsel trouble youths with gambling addictions”. Phil Meer is a man with the winning combination for poker and life.