We have a library of WOMENS POKER ARTICLES covering strategy, table selection, bluffing, betting and poker pro biographies to help you improve your game
More and more women are taking up the thrilling and often lucrative game of poker. Once thought to be a game for men only, poker has gradually opened a seat at the table for women, thanks in part to a number of smart, skilled women who have broken into the ranks of professional poker players. These women have demanded and received the respect they deserve from fellow players in the best way possible - by winning.
Players such as Kathy Liebert and Annie Duke make a comfortable living for themselves by playing high stakes poker, proving that women from all lifestyles can play this challenging game, and succeed. If you are a woman just taking up poker, it may be daunting to think about the risks involved with poker, not to mention the reactions that female players still often face from male players. However, you will find that there are several ways to improve your odds of winning and your skill level.
One of the best ways to improve your game is to play poker online. With online poker, the physical barrier of the poker table is eliminated, which provides you the perfect opportunity to practice with cards while not worrying about the people. This is a good way to start, using the lowest stakes table you can find. That way, you can play longer without using up your bankroll.
Online play also offers the chance to choose your gender in that even online, women players can be treated with disrespect. If you want to avoid being propositioned, sworn at, or called the "B" word by unruly male players (although these players are the exception and not the rule), then you can play as a man and no one will be the wiser. However, remember that playing as a woman does have its advantages, and even professional female players have advocated the use of these advantages.
For example, some male players are often nicer to female players, and may give away critical information, especially if you are not ashamed of playing the role of the "bimbo." There is no shame in using every advantage you can within the boundaries of your own taste. Keep in mind that poker playing is all about winning.
Whether you play online or in the casino, another important skill is learning when to fold. Many novice players call and raise bad hands just on the off chance they may succeed. This can be especially true for women, who may feel they need to act as "tough" as their male counterparts do but professional poker players of both genders know that only about 10% of hands are winners. The remaining 90% should be folded to minimize your losses.
Perhaps the best rule of thumb for women players, or any players for that matter, is to play with your head and keep your emotions in check. All poker players run the risk of taking their hands too seriously, which should be avoided at all costs. Learning to shake off your defeats and approach each hand as if it were your first at the table can help you to avoid making mistakes caused by feelings of anger or regret. Finally, you should always take breaks in play, especially if you are playing online. Taking time to clear your head allows you to think about the hands you have played, keep yourself hydrated, and exercise your limbs, which can become stiff from tension even if you are sitting in a comfortable chair in your living room.
