When someone mentions poker, the first thing that comes to mind is probably Texas Hold ’em. However, this wonderful game has so many variants and different styles of playing. Take deep stack poker for one; this complex and highly demanding variant perfectly suits those who love live poker games.
However, playing poker online with deep stacks can be quite nerve-racking, especially since you get punished for the slightest mistake. Any wrong move while playing in-house or at an online casino means you risk losing everything and leaving empty-handed. This makes for quite the thrilling game, especially if you are looking for a game to test new plays and develop your skills. Whether you are a fan or just thinking of trying it out, here are a few deep-stack poker-playing tips and tricks to help you out.
But first,
What is deep stack poker?
Deep stack poker is a game where players play with large stacks in a cash game, often 100 big blinds and more. It is a game where you start with a large number of chips relative to the blind size. For example, you can start a game with 5000 chips and blinds starting at 25/50 with antes added later on. However, in a deep stacks game, you can start with 30000 chips and 50/100 blinds. This means rather than starting with 100 big blinds; you are playing with 300 big blinds.
That’s a lot of cash at stake, and unlike other poker variants, this game favors skilled poker players as there’s more play involved and less luck. That’s why you need to have a good understanding of the game and some tricks up your sleeve if you want to win.
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Deep stack playing poker online casino strategies
Understand the game
Deep stack poker requires a completely different game plan and skill set than you normally use while playing big blind games. It has a completely different preflop action. Unlike other poker games, you need to carefully weigh your options because the pots are larger. Additionally, you must have ample bankroll so you can’t play a deep-stacked game using regular big blind requirements.
For instance, if you played a ⅖ no-limit Hold ’em game with a maximum buy-in of $1000, with $20000, you can carry out your strategy. However, if the maximum buy-in is $10000, you will need to invest a lot more to stay in the game. This poker version allows you to make trickier plays post-flop and get into more pots. And it favors aggressive players over passive ones.
Pre-flop bet sizes
When playing deep stack poker either at an in-house or online casino, when it comes to open-raising preflop, remember to keep your bet size similar to what you would when playing a game 100bb (big blinds) deep. This means if you raise 5bb when playing 100bb poker, you need to do the same when playing deep stack poker. The bet sizes should be the same when you are ready to place your 3-bet. Additionally, you can work for the hand the way you want because you get to act last when you are in position.
This means you need to get your opponent to flop when you have a wide range, and the pots are high as it’s even harder to navigate post-flop. When out of position, your 3-bet sizes can be more substantial. Let’s say your opponent has a 250bb stack and opens with 3 big blinds; you can make 13 or more big blinds rather than 10. This is because you can risk a bit more. However, this will depend on how deeply stacked you both are.
Bet ranges
Call more often when in a 3-bet position because it puts more pressure on your opponent post-flop. So it’s quite handy flat-calling better hands worse than AK, QQ, or even KK. If you are out of position, work on protecting your bet ranges and reducing your advantages. You can still flat-call hands worse than AK, QQ, or KK. If your opponent’s range gets tighter, go for 4-bet bluffs whenever you can. Try Kxo or Axo since they reduce your opponent’s chances of getting KK or AA.
That said, if your stacking range narrows as you increase your bluff range, an astute player might see this and take advantage. Reduce your 4-bet bluffs and focus on your value range if you notice this. Here the size of your bankroll doesn’t matter that much because, with a good strategy, AK can once again be a viable stacking option.
Take advantage of tight players
Players who play very few hands and use an extremely tight strategy while playing are called nits. In poker, it’s said tight is right, a saying many nits live by. They aren’t particularly liked as they don’t add much value to the game and often leave having won nothing. When playing deep stack poker with a nit, it’s easy to bully them out of pots. Not many people have the patience to keep folding because they soon get anxious to play. It sounds like an easy way to win; however, exercise caution. When facing off against a nit, fold your questionably strong hands if they go all in. Additionally, you should stop betting if they keep calling you.
Learn how to build and control pots
The whole point of playing deep stack poker is to win big, so learning how to build the pot seems like something obvious. You want the stakes to be high when you win, right? However, you also need to learn how to control the pot size; this way, you can cash in when it’s favorable for you. Such as when you are in position, you have a hand that can flop your opponent’s strong hand or big draw, and if you have enough chips to still play after the flop. If you have never played a deep stack of playing poker online before, it’s unlike any other poker game you have played before. So many factors can affect how the game turns out and what usually works in other games might not work here. However, you can stand a better chance of winning big in your next game with these few tips in mind.
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