Poker is the only casino game where you can have a genuine long-term edge over other players. Here are the fundamentals that separate winners from the ones who give their money away.
Position — the most underrated advantage
Acting last after the flop is a massive information advantage. Best positions: button and cutoff — act last or near-last. Worst: small blind and big blind.
Starting hand selection
Premium — play from any position: AA, KK, QQ, JJ, AKs, AKo
Strong — middle/late position: TT, 99, AQs, AQo, AJs, KQs
Speculative — late position only: Suited connectors, small pairs (22-88)
Bankroll management
Cash games: Minimum 20 buy-ins for your stake level.
Tournaments: Minimum 50 buy-ins. Variance is much higher.
If you lose 5 buy-ins at your current stake — move down to the level below. Rebuild. Move back up when you have 20 buy-ins for the higher level.
The one rule beginners always ignore
Fold more. Serious players fold 70-80% of hands before the flop. If you are playing more than 25% of hands you are too loose.
Stake has consistent poker traffic at all hours and multiple stake levels.