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Should you Continue While in a Streak in Poker?

During a poker tournament, especially during the final table, there will be a particular player who may win the four of the last six pots, making everybody at the table feel apprehensive about him or even fear going up against him. If he was locked in on the cash pot, other players will be folding their hands against him at a remarkable rate.

That player is considered to be the "hot player" at the moment. What is this situation? Is there is really some reality to the saying that when you are currently in a "hot streak', you will stay that way? Should you continue playing while in this state, so that you will get more money?

That is an important question that every gambler has to face while playing their favorite game especially poker. Mathematicians have analyzed the occurrences of this "hot streak" with the use of both probability and statistical methods that when you flipped a coin about five times in succession, with the head always coming out, the sixth one will have fifty-fifty chance of being heads again.

So a lot of times, there is no sure chance that your streak will continue as you plan. Playing poker while you are in a streak is sometimes like driving a vehicle with your eyes set on the rear view mirror. It shows you the complete detail on where have you been but it does not show you where exactly you are going. But when it comes to poker, it might work out a little differently because of the psychological element that is mixed with the game.

For example in Blackjack, the dealer on the table is not excited to know on how you will play. He is just going to hit on the 16th card and the 17th card like a machine no matter what technique or strategy that you will do. So likewise, if both the cards and your rivals do not care on what action you will do, playing aggressive and without any limits will not do you any good at all. But in a poker game, your opponents are humans who think on what will be their next move.

So what will you do when you are in a hot streak? Most players will fear you in that case and would stay out of your way, leaving you to do what you want to do with no bother at all. When you called out a raise, more or less, they will fold because you are currently experiencing a rush. The same thing will probably work when you bluff because they will now take you more seriously. This situation also can compare to worried investors in the stock market who might sell because of fear.

Compared to poker, because of the psychological edge, a player might end the game sooner because he will be feared by the other players. So how should poker "hot streaks" be handled?

First, if you carefully observe the player that is in the middle of a streak, you will see that he will be pushing for action with the cards that do not need it. Wait carefully until you have a solid hand and then step carefully against him. He will likely try to pass by you.

But since you have a better hand than him, you will likely win the stack of chips. If you have a few good hands that are currently in your possession, try to feel if the table will be intimidated by you and if does feel that way, try to intimidate them around. But if it is just the opposite, then just play solidly instead of playing irregularly.

The smaller the stakes and the "greener" the players that are around you in the final table, they will be likely intimidated when you play a few, solid hands. But it will be a different thing if you play against seasoned poker professionals because they are not easily intimidated by such tactics.