Poker strategy guides
10 guides on playing cash games well, in 4 subjects, each written to be read in order. Free, no sign-up, and every one of them ends somewhere useful.
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Tools
New video lessonHow to Play Poker: Texas Hold'em for BeginnersLearn how to play Texas Hold'em poker in under six minutes: the dealer button and the blinds, the deal, fold, call or raise, the flop, the turn and the river, and the showdown, played out on one hand by Zane, your strategy coach.Strategy guides
Getting started
How to study, how to practise, and what to do first.
- How to Study Poker: A Routine That Actually SticksHow to study poker without quitting in week three: the play–review–drill loop, weekly routines for 3 and 7 hours, tools by budget, and what to track.8 min read
- How to Practice Poker Online, Alone and for FreePoker practice that actually works: the five ways to practise, an honest verdict on each, a 10-minute daily routine, and how to tell whether it is working.9 min read
- What Is GTO Poker? Game Theory Optimal, Explained SimplyWhat GTO poker means, in plain English: the game theory optimal strategy, what a solver does, GTO vs exploitative play, and whether it is worth learning at low stakes.7 min read
- How to Learn GTO Poker: A 30-Day Plan for Cash GamesHow to learn GTO poker from zero: what to study in what order, a week-by-week 30-day plan for cash games, and how to tell you’re actually improving.10 min read
Before the flop
Opening, re-raising, defending, and the seats you play them from.
- How to Use Preflop Charts: Read, Memorise, DrillHow to use preflop charts: how to read the 13×13 grid, memorise a range by shape instead of by list, drill it until it is automatic, and adjust for rake.5 min read
- 3-Bet or Fold: How Rake Changes Your Preflop RangesWhy rake kills flat-calling before the flop, why 3-bet-or-fold is the stronger structure, and why the small blind is the first seat to make the switch, even at mid to high rake.9 min read
- When to 3-Bet in Poker: Ranges, Sizing and SpotsWhen to 3-bet in cash games: value versus bluff 3-bets, a 3-bet range for every seat, sizing in and out of position, and how to react to a 3-bet.8 min read
Concepts and maths
Odds, equity and the numbers behind every decision.
- How to Calculate Poker Odds: Outs, 4/2 Rule, Pot OddsHow to calculate poker odds at the table: count your outs, use the rule of 4 and 2, convert to pot odds, decide. Three worked hands, plus common mistakes.9 min read
- Poker odds chartOuts, odds and your chance of hitting by the turn and river, in one table.Reference
Mind and money
Bankroll, variance and staying level.
- Poker Bankroll Management: How Many Buy-Ins Do You Need?How many buy-ins you need by format and risk tolerance, what risk of ruin means, and when to move up or down.12 min read
- Poker Variance Explained: Why Good Players Have Losing MonthsWhat variance is, how big the swings actually get, and how to tell a downswing from a leak.9 min read