So what is a bad beat exactly? A bad beat only happens when statistically there is a “come from behind” event. The longer the odds of the second hand making the beat, the worse the beat feels.

Most would think that after a bad beat the best thing to do would be to forget about it and walk away. However, a wise poker player would see that there just might be something to learn here. This is the time when you should clearly analyze the elements that went into this experience.

When analyzing your play you may find out you have succumbed to cognitive dissonance. The theory of cognitive dissonance states that contradicting cognitions serve as a driving force that compels the mind to acquire or invent new thoughts or beliefs or to modify existing beliefs, so as to reduce the amount of dissonance (conflict) between cognitions. As an example, conflict makes us uncomfortable, so we attempt to relieve that discomfort by coming up with new beliefs or behaviors in some way to reconcile this conflict.

So how does this help me you ask? The discomfort we feel when we take a big hit at the table gives us an opportunity for analysis and improvement. This only comes if our cognitive dissonance comes form an honest, factual assessment of the hand in question can we improve. Sure maybe the guy across from you did make a bad call but maybe your all in move looked like a semi-bluff to him.

Cognitive dissonance give the suggestion that a little bit of discomfort can be a good learning tool, if in fact you choose to use it.

Bad Beat

Deception in poker is fundamental to your success, and you will notice its importance as you move up to higher stakes levels. Basically predicted behavior should be avoided at all costs when you play poker. This will make it harder for your opponents to put you on a hand, or read what you have, which will mean more than likely you will have a profit.

If you ask a novice player to define deception, they might say that it all has to do with bluffing, and that is the reason why they would stay a novice.

If you bet or raised every time you thought you had a good hand, and checked or folded every time you though your hand was bad, eventually other players will catch on and you will end up loosing all of your chips. Strong players will run circles around you. In order to maximize your wins it’s important to deceive your opponents by either showing strength (betting or raising, even re-raising when you don’t have a made hand) or showing weakness (checking when you’re strong).

Players who are aggressive can take over tables and dictate terms. Passive players who call might still win their fair share of hands but only when they have cards. Why limit yourself? You want to establish a table personality that causes fear not complacency.

Deception is an art. Be creative, and think smart. Again, the last thing you want to be is predictable.

Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker variant played in the casinos in the USA. More and more people have been exposed to the game through television, popular literature and of course the internet.

This is a basic video guide to the awesome game of Texas Hold’em. It’s quick and easy to learn and get started but it will take time to master your knowledge and strategy.