Poker is about Leverage
I have this theory that I developed myself. I'm sure it borrows partially from a number a other theories, as does any rational poker idea, but I call it "Leverage Theory." Poker is all about leveage at the table. It combines a combination of position and perception that the others have of you at the table.
Everyone starts out at 0 leveage, in all minds, at the table. Assuming that there has been no previous interaction, no one has any idea whether someone is tight, loose, bluffy, etc. So everyone starts at 0 levrage. Everytime you fold pre-flop, you gain leverage. People see you as someone will play less hands. In the same way, if you do a lot of calling to see the flop, you lose leverage. People see you as someone who will play a wider range of starting hands to see a flop.*** NOTE: If you apply leverage theory to your game, it will most likely help those who play a more selective range of starting hands. And becomes more effective with a larger stack.
Rules/Ideas
1) If you have mediocre hand (KQ, KJ, 99, etc.) and no one has raised b4 you, make a bet of about 4 or 5 times the big blind
This accomplishes the goal of getting out the low cards. If the flop comes 223, you know no one has 2. Also, it sets you up for the after flop play.
2) Usually, after that raise is made you either pick up the blinds, or only one caller is in. So, unless you flop an amazing hand (then you slow play), you make the same big bet that you made b4.
Here's what this does. Let's say you have KJ and the other guy has AJ. The flop comes 5, 8, Q. You have an inferior hand, but no one really has anything, but since you fire first at that queen, he folds. He's not going to risk another crutial part of his stack to catch an ace.
What if he calls? He probably has a Q. Then you check the turn to see what he's going to do. If he bets....Q, if he checks he has middle pair and you push him out big on the river.
It's all about the leverage of entering the pot first.
*** NOTE: Unless you have AA, KK, QQ, AK, or JJ and someone has raised pre-flop, fold!!!! If you have one of these hands, re-raise.
The person who enters the pot for a raise first, has the leverage. If you're re-raised, and you have a mediocre hand, by all means, fold.
Good luck, I hope this was of some use. Try it out, and let me know what you think. I'm sure there are flaws, but this is best way for me.
~ Biggs (raisenu01)
