| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Beyond No Limit Holdem |
Have you had the good fortune to visit the wonderful cardrooms in California? The Commerce, the Bicycle, Bay 101, and Pechanga are just a few of the gems of the poker world. Are you aware that there was a time when any form of holdem, not just no limit, wasn't even spread in California? Most of the games were five-card draw and five-card stud.
Texas holdem, especially no limit holdem, is relatively new to the poker world compared to those games, and even the no limit craze that has swept the poker world is relatively new.
The Future of Poker
As little as five years ago, the primary cash game played in casinos and online poker rooms was fixed limit Texas holdem. No limit games were primarily, though not exclusively, played in tournaments. In the last five years, the number of no limit cash games has completely switched places with limit.
What does this mean for us in the short term? Quite a bit, as the fish are likely going to be attracted to the dominant game. For now, if we want to fish in the best pond, we need to be able to play no limit cash games, and play them well.
No predictions about the future of casino and internet poker here. The only prediction that is reliable is that preferences will change over time. The game of choice may not be no limit cash at some point in the future. Five-card draw is virtually non-existent these days outside of home games. Thirty years ago, that would have been unimaginable.
Reasons to Diversify
Learning different forms of poker has several advantages:
Variety. Finding yourself going through the motions in your normal game might mean you need a break from it. If you intend to still play poker, you might play a different game (Omaha, stud, lowball) to mix things up. A break from your usual game might renew your enthusiasm for it.
General poker knowledge. Learning the intricacies of a different game might give you additional insight into your favorite form of poker. Understanding Omaha, for example, gives you good insight into hand values in holdem. Playing stud can help your player reading skills immensely.
Access to good games. The local fish might not be into a certain style of poker at your cardroom or home game. Having a working knowledge of multiple games can give you access to good games that can overcome your lack of specialization.
A new specialty. Perhaps your normal games are no limit, full ring, cash games, but you find that your natural style is too aggressive. Exposure to tournament poker, might be the perfect fix for you. The aggression required to succeed in tournaments already comes naturally to you.
Adaptability. Knowing many ways to play cards, and people, can have you ahead of the curve when the next big thing comes down the road. Maybe it will be Omaha, or maybe it will be a game that none of us have ever heard of. Your flexibility will put you ahead of the learning curve.
Whatever your approach, spending a small percentage of your poker time playing a game other than no limit holdem can be satisfying and enlightening. Make sure to find good strategy material, and only play for very low stakes at first while you adjust to a new game.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disclaimer:
People from thousands of jurisdictions access the internet. It is impossible for us to stay current with the laws of every jurisdiction. Please make sure that any activities you engage in online are legal where you live.
We have reason to believe that it may be illegal to gamble online in: Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Michigan, New York, New Jersey and Wisconsin. If you live in one of these states, we advise you NOT to gamble online. |
Poker News Today.com © 2007 Beyond No Limit Holdem
|
|
|
|
|
