Common Misconceptions About Playing Winning Poker

(Photo: Cardplayer.com)

In between debunking seven fallacies regarding winning or losing at the poker table, Doug Polk manages to get in a few subtle and not-so-subtle shots against some poker pros who have found flaws in his game and/or accomplishments as of late.

While the back and forth jabs and potshots will likely continue indefinitely, players who watch videos produced by pros of Doug's caliber simply to improve their poker game should realize that boys will be boys and that a certain amount of bickering among players with sometimes inflated egos is unavoidable - especially in this day and age of social media. It shouldn't detract from the practically flawless advice dispensed by Polk in this YouTube video.

Let's Debunk

WCGRider does an excellent job of dispelling seven misconceptions about poker, starting with whether or not seeing a flop commits you into playing along further on both the turn and river. Of course it doesn't.

From there, the two-time WSOP bracelet winner talks about past results and their effect on future results, whether players can assume that their current win rate and bankroll growth will continue and allow them to spend lavishly, and the danger of banking on short-term results.

Don't Count Luck Out

While we all know that continued success at poker over the long haul requires great skill, Polk also delves into how the luck factor comes into play while competing in MTTs.

"In tournaments, it is an insanely luck-based type of game," Polk stated. "Skill of course applies and the better players win at the end, but when you look at massive field tournaments, luck is going to play a huge and decisive role in who actually wins."

Also touched upon by the Upswing Poker co-founder are the topics of variance, bankroll management, and multi-tabling while competing online. Polk advocates keeping your multi-tabling action down to six games in order to avoid distractions and to be able to bring your A-game to the tables at which you play.