Playing In A Poker Freeroll Articles | Poker

By: Richard Bleuze

If you are playing in a freeroll, chances are you are not alone. Especially, if the freeroll did not have a buy in. What do you do to stay in the freeroll?

In three simple words, "play it safe".

In playing various freeloads online, however, I have found the founding rules to be successful when playing a poker freeroll. They are:

The main rule to remember is that most of your opponents are bad players. Thus, many of them with a nothing hand will force you to call. If you do call, you often risk that other players with some other lame pocket calls too, and suddenly your chances of winning are going fast. An ace, king, or queen, in the flop, turn or river and you are out, or some clown get a lucky flush or straight and you are out too. Be patient. I would be willing to say that at least 66% of the players are idiots. Thus, do not try anything fancy before they are gone. Be patient and they will be gone from the table soon.

Keep bluffing. But, keep it to an absolute minimum since in most tornaments you get switched around and thus never get to learn the playing styles of your opponents. You must know the playing style of the players.

In the beginning of a poker freeroll, the only time that you should raise is when you have double aces, an ace and a king, or double kings in your hand. If someone raises that with all-in, then call it.

In addition, keep an eye on the chipleader. Players that have more chips than you can often make higher and more bids.

Try to remember the people who keep folding and never raise. If they bet after flop, then fold, unless you have an ace or king or a very good chance at getting one.

Do not be afraid to fold. Keep folding until you get something useful - again an ace or king. Do not get married to your cards. If someone bets, fold. If not, then call and hope that an ace or king comes up. When in doubt, fold.

Always assume the other guy is NOT bluffing. If the guy after the blinds bet, then fold. Unless he is in the 66% group of very bad players, that means he has something.

Finally, never bet in 1st position, unless you have double aces, an ace and a king, or double kings.

Follow these rules and you will survive in a poker freeroll.

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