5 Tips for Tournament Style Poker

Tournament Poker has become extremely popular as of late. People are starting to know who Daniel Negreanu and Phil Hellmuth are by sight and by name. Due to the excessive excitement and television coverage of this once standard poker game, there are some tips one should keep in mind before jumping in with all cash in hand. First however some poker terms to remember.

Flop = First set of three cards dealt and shown
Turn = Fourth Card dealt and shown
River = Fifth and last card dealt and shown
Pot = The money bet by the players
Suited Connectors = Example of these are 3 and 4 of Spades
Flush = Five cards of the same suit
Straight = Five cards in consecutive order, not necessarily the same suit

1. Do not throw away small suited connectors. They are one of the easiest hands to play. If nothing comes out to help on the Flop you can lay it down before having to bet on the Turn, or you may have a straight draw which gives you the chance to win the hand.

2. Remember there is a time when laying down a great hand is necessary. Aces are not always a winning hand and have busted many a great player.

3. Remember to watch your opponents. They likely have "tells" or something in their mannerism that tells you if they are nervous or happy with their hand. One player may be drinking water constantly because he has to have something to do with his hands. Another player may bite her lip or play with her hair when they are worried about their bluff. These tells can be what assists you in winning a game. Poker is not just a game of luck.

4. If you have a monster hand such as a high pair, although you would like to suck someone into the Pot by betting low, remember that to do so at your own risk. Allowing them to bet into you is also allowing them to see the turn cards which may give them a flush or a straight which will conquer your hand.

5. Find your own style! Not all poker players play the same. There is tight playing which is a player that rarely bluffs, and only plays decent hands. There is an aggressive player that is constantly running you off good hands with large betting and intense behavior. Make sure to find the type of playing that suits your personality the best because this will be what makes you win pot after pot.