S06E08 - Poker Basic Strategy - Low Stakes Poker

Much like the early steps to doing better at blackjack than everyone else using basic strategy, poker also has a basic strategy that will instantly improve nearly everyone’s game. From absolute beginner to even long time players.

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Let’s break down the concept of **basic strategy** in poker and why it’s the foundation of becoming a winning player.

What’s Basic Strategy?

In games like blackjack, there’s a “basic strategy” that players memorize to minimize losses. For example, in blackjack, just by memorizing and following basic strategy can reduce your expected loss from 3-6% (if you’re just winging it) to 1% or less. Card counters take it even further by adjusting their play based on the cards left in the deck, allowing them to make smarter decisions and bet bigger when the odds are in their favor.

By keeping count of the cards and knowing the composition of the remainder of the deck, this allows them to do things like modify the basic strategy when the count says you should stand on hands you would normally hit. Or split tens which you would normally never do. Or bet 3x or 5x or 9x your base bet.

And if you happened to be at a table that accidentally flashed their down card 20% of the time you could massively deviate from basic strategy to crush even more.

Poker has its own version of basic strategy, and it starts with preflop charts. These charts tell you which hands to play (and how to play them) based on your position at the table. Unlike blackjack, where basic strategy still leaves you at a slight disadvantage, mastering poker’s basic strategy can turn a losing player into a break-even or even slightly winning player—fast.

Why Preflop Charts Matter
Preflop charts are like your poker GPS. They guide you on:
- Which hands to open (e.g., raising from under the gun vs. the cutoff).
- When to fold, call, or raise based on your position and the action before you.

By sticking to these charts, you avoid making costly mistakes early in the hand. For example, you’ll know not to play a weak hand from early position or to raise aggressively with strong hands in late position. This alone can transform your game from losing to break-even or better.

Now let’s put all of this into perspective and build a plan around it. I’ll use another analogy, cooking, to help us develop this plan.

Poker Basics: Build Your Game Like a Pro (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)

Alright, let’s simplify poker strategy so you can *actually* remember it and use it. Imagine you’re learning to cook: you need to master the recipe first before you start improvising. Poker’s the same way. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

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Step 1: Learn the “Recipe” (Preflop Charts)**
In poker, **preflop charts** are your recipe book. They tell you:
- What hands to play (e.g., “Should I raise Ace-King from early position?”).
- How to play them (fold, call, raise).

Why this works:
Most losing players hemorrhage money by playing too many weak hands. Preflop charts fix that. Memorize them, and you’ll instantly:
✅ Stop bleeding chips with junk hands.
✅ Make fewer “What was I thinking?!” mistakes.

Start with **tight ranges** (play fewer hands) until you’re comfortable. Think of it like training wheels—they keep you safe while you learn. What range you should play from each position can easily be found by searching for poker charts online. There are many places with free resources. Just choose one that is tailored to live game and not GTO ranges or online ranges.

Adjust to Your “Kitchen” (Table Dynamics)**
Once you’ve memorized the basics, it’s time to adapt. Poker isn’t played in a vacuum—your opponents matter!

Example Adjustments:
- If everyone’s folding too much → **Loosen up** (play more hands).
- If the table’s aggressive → **Tighten up** (only play strong hands).
- If someone’s a calling station → **Bluff less**, value bet more.

Key Insight: The best players aren’t robots. They tweak their strategy like chefs adjusting seasoning—*a little more salt here, less spice there*.

Master the “Knife Skills” (3-Betting and 4-Betting)**
This is where pots get big, and mistakes get costly. This allows you slice and dice your opponents stacks at will.
- **3-bet** = Re-raise before the flop (e.g., someone raises, you re-raise).
- **4-bet** = Re-raise a 3-bet (aggressive moves for big pots).

Why This Matters:
If you only 3-bet with premium hands (like Aces or Kings), savvy players will exploit you. Mix in *some bluffs* (like suited connectors) to keep opponents guessing.

Simple Basic Rule: Start with a **basic 3-bet range** (10% of hands) and expand as you get comfortable. Good charts can help you refine this with 3b and 4b ranges you can memorize as well.

Study Like a Scientist
Poker rewards homework. Here’s how to practice:
1. **Drill Preflop Charts**: Use apps or flashcards (10 minutes/day).
2. **Review Hands**: After each session, ask: *“Did I follow my ranges?”*
3. **Spot Opponent Leaks**: Notice patterns (e.g., “Player X always folds to 3-bets”).

**Think of It Like Lifting Weights**:
You wouldn’t skip leg day and expect to run a marathon. Don’t skip preflop study and expect to win.

Final Takeaway
1. Learn the basics → Stop losing.
2. Adapt to opponents → Start winning.
3. Practice relentlessly → Crush consistently.

Your Homework Tonight:
- Pick one position (I recommend utg) and memorize its opening range. Take as many nights as you need to do this. Once you have memorized that position, start on another one. Wash, rinse, repeat.