Have you got Poker Rhythm?

One element of online poker games which I don't believe I have ever seen truly being discussed is rhythms. This largely ignored area of online poker I believe is very important, there are three types of poker rhythms that I am talking about here, there is action rhythm, speed rhythm and in no limit there is the bet amount rhythm, the action rhythm is the propensity of betting, calling, checking, folding, raising etc., the speed rhythm is the length of time to take a decision and the bet amount rhythm is self explanatory.

You may find a table even with decent players settles in to rhythms in one, two or all three of these areas more than the hands that are being dealt should dictate, the influence of this is felt even by good players, it is important to realize this discrepancy and take advantage of it.

E.G. If people are routinely calling when otherwise they might fold, you either do not bluff or you need to do something to disrupt the rhythm, taking more or less time to launch a bet might do it, in no Limit betting a different amount - usually a higher amount but not always but mostly if people are calling too much retain your bluff for the time that the rhythm has changed to make it more amenable for a successful bluff. Of course you can happily bet if you have a decent hand knowing hands that should be folding are going to call you just don't do anything that will break the harmony of the rhythm.

Keeping this topic brief for the time being it is important for you when you are playing to avoid these rhythm traps, avoid making the wrong decision just because the rhythm dictates it conversely when the rhythm dictates an action that you would have done anyway make this rhythm work for you don't disrupt the harmony.

Senior Poker Columnist
Barry O'Callaghan
www.firbolg.com

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