15 favorite skills for limit hold’em poker – Skill is essential to winning at the poker table. There are many aspects of skill. Working with my poker mentor, George “The Engineer” Epstein, here are 15 of our favorite skill forms for limited hold’em:

• Before sitting down: Table and chair preferences;
• Start hand selection;
• Seek and interpret informs;
• Using a reverse tell;
• Looks left when hole cards are dealt, and then when the flop hits the board;
• “Reads” your opponent – their traits and hands;
• Knowing when to call or raise a pay;
• Know the many reasons for upgrading, when and how to use each one;
• Understand the importance of positions, and use them to your advantage;
• Understand and use poker math to get positive expectations with a higher chance of drawing your hand;
• When and how best to bluff – especially for semi-bluffs;
• Using other forms of deception (slow play, traps, check-lift);
• Time your movement
• When to change chairs – or tables – at the casino;
• Avoid tilt and stay alert while playing.

There are many levels of luck and skill, from worst to best, and everything in between. While you have little control over luck, you can take steps to improve your poker skills. It’s in your control! The more you learn and play – including paying attention to the mistakes you observe (both your own and those of your opponents) and learning from them – the better your skills will become. Strive to keep improving your skills and your wins will continue to increase in response.