Taking the initiative is making the aggressive plays during the betting round. This involves betting and raising. You do not gain initiative if you just call or check.

When do you take the initiative

The most common time to take the initiative is before the dealer makes the flop. There is always a high probability that there will someone who will raise and there will be callers to follow. Of course there is always the chance during the turn or the river.

Again, the player that shows the fang on the poker table is the player with the initiative. The initiative will move from one player to another on different betting rounds. It is up to you to make the impression that you have the strongest hand and dominate the table.

Why you should have the initiative

Taking the initiative gives you several advantages. When you raise or when you bet on a hand, you give the cards you are holding unlimited strength. Image is very important in poker. When you have the initiative you are taking the helm and you will control the table as people will wait for you to make your move.

You will also make life difficult for your opponent since they cannot put your cards on a certain range and cannot estimate how they should play against it. When you have the initiative and play aggressive, you push the other players to the edge. You force them to make difficult decisions. The tougher they handle, the more mistakes they will make. You can lure them to your trap and you will go home with more poker money in hand.

He’s a classy guy – by the way.

There are different types of poker chips available in the market these days. They come in all sizes and shapes and can be customized to one’s own preference. The most common are the plastic poker chips. They are inexpensive and light weighed thus a great choice for amateurs.

The plastic chips can be questioned on durability but they make great accessories for poker while on the move as they can be replaced and made of 100% plastic. Thus they are ideal for an unfussy game with friends.

Another category consists of more durable and pleasing to the eye “the diamond poker chips”. A tad expensive than the plastic poker chips but they give the same feel of casino environment. There is a huge variety of colors and texture available for customization. The eminence and the quality is great of the diamond poker chips and at 8$ per 100 chips is great value for money.

Clay poker chips are the most preferred ones with the exact feel and sense of a casino. They are great for pro players to impress guests at home and come in array of colors and textures. The weight usually hovers around 8.5 to 13 grams per chip, so go and grab your set of chips.

Looking for casino chips? My friend has a great Casino Chips Collection, and he updates his site on a timely basis with new casino chips.

How can she even BE with David Benyamine?

They were at a World Poker Tour event, sitting at the same table… Man I feel for whoever sat in between them — apparently they’re so… touchy.

I don’t want to be the new Pokernews – so don’t expect tournament updates and live blogpodcasts etc… I’m not a pro.

See you around!