Chip Stacks At The Partypoker Tables

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July 11, 2006

There are so many chips in play, the chip stacks at the partypoker tables are so large in comparison to the blinds that are less in value. If you didn't notice this because of distractions you would simply fold but knowing you are against a maniac would be a strong case for a reraise. Other examples are not so evident and require more attention to identify. For example, a partypoker player at your table never checkraises. He always bets out his strong hands or checks his weak hands. If you are paying attention, you can fold your mediocre hands when this opponent comes out betting and you can bet if he comes out checking.

A common mistake made by many players is betting or raising the river whenever they think they have the best hand. Do not make this same mistake! Only bet or raise a good hand on the river against a lone opponent when you have at least a 50% chance of winning when your partypoker opponent calls. The key part of this concept is that you win more than your fair share when your opponent calls. Many times you will win a seat in the poker room. That bet hasn't gained you anything.

• Let's say that in the above partypoker example there is $8 in the pot and you are faced with a $1 bet. If you are using odds with two cards to come, you would again calculate that you need to win $15 in this pot to justify calling. It is doubtful you would win an additional $7 on the turn and river from your opponents so you decide to fold. However, this would be a mistake. On the flop, you only have to pay $1 to see one more card. The odds of improving on the next card are 11 to 1.
• When you hit pairs, they will be less vulnerable to overcards. Your straights will beat lower straights. Your flushes will outkick your opponents' flushes...and so forth. By playing fewer hands you will continue to put yourself in the poker glossary to win the hand. Of course, it is possible to play too tight. This is why you have to post blinds in partypoker; otherwise, you could just wait for your free poker books in the mail. Yet I have rarely run into a player that plays too tight.

• For example, let's assume that you average one big bet an hour playing one table. If you are playing two tables simultaneously, you should expect your earning rate to decrease per table. If it decreases to 1/2 a big bet per hour, you will be earning the same per hour at two tables but with greater fluctuations. However, if your earn rate only decreases to 3/4 a big bet per hour, your overall hourly rate will increase to 1.5 big bets per hour.
• There are two partypoker situations where you can use this information to your advantage. Let's say you are in last position. The first player checks and the next two players instantaneously check. Since the two middle players probably don't have anything, a bluff might be successful against the lone opponent who checked early. Another situation occurs when you are the player who checks early. If your opponents instantaneously check behind you, you might have a bluffing opportunity on the next partypoker card.