Poker Truisms

Some of these I've read elsewhere, some I've created, all have been helpful in keeping me alive in tournaments. Please feel free to add some of your own!

*** Never go broke in an unraised pot. (Brunson, I believe.)

*** Never go broke with top pair.

*** If you have a pocket pair, so does someone else. (Probably not true, but it's a safe way to play.)

*** Just because 3 of a suit flopped doesn't mean you shouldn't bet your 2 pair or set.

*** Stop being afraid of "MUBs" (Monsters Under the Bed). The flop probably missed him too.

*** People often bet scare cards (third to a flush or straight, paired boards in unraised pots) and so should you.

*** Exploit c-bettors. However, you need to c-bet yourself.

*** You MUST vary your play. (I once played an entire SNG raising with any 2 where the second card dealt was a diamond. I lost, but it was a blast!)

*** Steal from LP, even in cash games. I've never understood why people are happy to raise with AKs from the CO and just win the blinds but turn their noses at winning the blinds with 74o.

*** Especially in tournaments, raise limpers. If it's worth playing, it's worth playing for a raise.

And, the number one truism of all time: AA is just a pair. You WILL lose with it sometimes. Get over it.

I know some will disagree with these, and probably rightfully so. These are just some of the things I keep in mind when playing and they work for me.

Brann

Most of those have played true for me!

One you can add...

If it's checked all around on the flop, raise it on the turn.

I've noticed that this can win marginal pots most of the time.

One that always hits me when I suffer a big suckout is:

*** You can do EVERYTHING exactly right and still lose. It's about the decisions not the results.

All you need is a chip and a chair

**Please do not tap on the glass**

--don't disturb the fish.

Meaning: let the fish make their bad plays, even if they do get lucky and suck out. Just tell them nh or wp.

i'll add another one to the list...

"You can't play with scared money"

Here's one

*Don't lose*

A rolling sausage gathers no gravy

Oh crap... I just got hungry.

BTW, I think unstoppable has the best one yet.

Interesting thread. Here's a shot I took at something similar 2 years ago:

http://www.cardschat.com/f49/unoffic...er-tips-69836/

Don't write checks with your mouth that your ass can't cover.