Instructions for Poker: Learning the Fundamental Theorem of Poker

In almost any human endeavor, there is always a concept that is regarded to be the most essential among the others. The same is the case with poker, which also has a fundamental theorem that must be regarded by everyone dabbling in the popular card game. This fundamental theorem is derived from certain aspects that can be deemed to be the most central to the game of poker.

One of such aspects that can be regarded as central to the game play of poker (and for most of the other card games for that matter) is the element of incomplete information regarding the other players at the table. Unlike in other games such as chess and checkers where one always sees the actions of one's opponents, one does not have a perfect idea as to what one's opponents are doing and having as far as their cards are concerned in poker.

If the game play of poker were to allow everyone to see each other's cards and actions like in the case of chess and checkers then it would be very possible for one to come up with a game plan that would be the most precise and perfect for the situation at hand.

Fortunately and/or unfortunately for the players and for the game, that is not the case with poker as the its mechanics restrict the player's knowledge regarding the actions done and the cards held by their opponents which makes it almost impossible for one to come up with the most mathematically sound and accurate play. This is where the fundamental theorem of poker comes in, as learning it will enable one to find a way around the imperfect information available to one and still come up with the best way to play according to the situation.

In a nutshell, the fundamental theorem of poker states that the further one plays from the way that one would have played had one knew the cards of one's opponents, the greater the advantage that one gives to one's opponents. Conversely, the further that one's opponent plays from the way they would have played had they knew one's cards, the greater advantage that they give.

As such, the best way to play the game is to ensure that one will play as close to the way that one would have played had one knew the cards of the other players. This can be done by mastering the tactic of reading of hands and other players at the table, which are the best ways to get around the imperfect information that one has.

Since the fundamental theorem also applies to one's opponents, it is also best to keep one's opponents from playing close to the way that they would play had they known one's cards as doing so would net one great advantages. This can be done by learning to play deceptively by employing tactics such as bluffing and check-raising.

Being familiar with the fundamental theorem of poker allows one to play as close to best way as possible since one will both have the capability to get around the gaps of information brought about by the mechanics of the game and to ensure that the other ones around the table will be playing as far from the way that they should as possible.