Learn Poker from the Masters

Winning poker players, regardless of their skill level, are always looking to improve.  Good players spend a great deal of time discussing the game, reading books, railing games and analysing the plays of the Daniels, Guses, Phils and Doyles of the world.  While these are excellent ways to improve their game, perhaps they would be better served by studying the strategies and tactics of William, Fredrick, Genghis and Napoleon.

That is the theory behind an infographic prepared by the Full Tilt Team. Poker is as much about playing your opponents as it is about your cards; those who join a table armed only with some chips, a starting hand guide and knowledge of the rules will soon find the game difficult to win.  While it is doubtful that any of the strategists mentioned ever played a hand of poker, their advice and tactics on the battlefield translate easily to the poker table.

Frederick the Great – The Prussian was outnumbered and surrounded, yet still managed to win battles. His secret was to concentrate his forces on just a few targets at a time and accumulate victories. Frederick’s philosophy of “He who defends everything, defends nothing” is the perfect mantra for the tight aggressive players.  All hands are not created equally and your chips are your soldiers. Only send them into battle with hands with the best chance of victory.  When you attack  your opponents, put them to a test every time.

Attila the Hun –  One of the early lessons poker players learn is that stealing the blinds and pots, though often small amounts, add up and aid in playing the big pots later on.  Attila was ruthless, plundering those he conquered. He also demanded tribute afterwards which further drained the resources of his foes and hindered their ability to challenge him.  Attila’s strategy was basically the same as a poker player in the cut-off seat or on the button; the Hun applied pressure every time he had an advantage. So should you.

William the Conqueror – William is perhaps the most famous check-raiser in history. During the Battle of Hastings he feigned a retreat to draw King Harold’s troops into a vulnerable position and then attacked. In poker, the check-raise puts a great deal of pressure on your opponents, indicating strength and frequently resulting in players abandoning the pot.  Once it has been employed, the check-raise becomes an even more valuable weapon; no longer do your opponents feel entirely comfortable betting when you check to them.  It also sets up the opportunity for a check-raise bluff.

Arminius – The Germanic tribesman conquered his Roman opponents by creating false uprisings which led his enemies into ambushes.  This early example of slow playing is an important concept to remember.  Often you will see players fire off huge bets when they hold the nuts, but it is usually more profitable to let their opponent lead the action. Check raising with the nuts will usually cost you bets on future streets. As Napoleon said centuries after Arminius, “Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.”

Genghis Khan – The Mongol warrior actually commanded a relatively small force. He succeeded by picking his battles very carefully, and preservation of his troops was a priority.  Adapting the same strategy in sit and go tournaments is very worthwhile.  You can’t win the tournament in the early rounds, but you can lose it. Don’t sacrifice your chips (troops) when your edge is very thin or a coin flip. Your goal is to make the money and then to win the tournament.

The Infographic was created by the team at FullTilt

Learn Poker from the Masters