Poker is not merely a game of chance and there are many different and complex strategies players can employ to tempt opponents to give up their stake in the pot. The various poker strategies employed are designed to make players deviate from their desired style of play and throw them off their game.

Deception is the main tactic used to alter an opponent’s style, either by bluffing with a poor hand or using slow play. In slow play you bet weakly with a strong hand with the hope of hiding your strength from the other players.

Position in relationship to the dealer also dictates play style; the nearer you are to the dealer the stronger your cards need to be in order to control the game. Later positions afford you the time to see what other players are doing.

Raising, unlike calling, forces a response from opponents; this will either increase the pot, scare off weaker hands, or help gain information about the other players’ hands.

‘Loose’ players will bet on any hand and therefore complete more hands; there is no point bluffing them, as they will continue to play anyway.  ‘Tight’ players, on the other hand, are cautious and finish fewer hands; bluffing may work, but they tend to only play strong hands.

Aggressive play also gives you more options to force a mistake from opponents than passive play does. Bluffs and raises are more likely to trip up the opposition.