In recent years the popularity of Texas Hold'Em has skyrocketed, no doubt in part due to a series of popular television programs, including ESPN's coverage of the World Series of Poker. While almost anyone can learn the game, very few are consistent winners. 

There are several schools of thought when it comes to theory. The classic work is written by Doyal Brunson and is titled Super System: A Course in Power Poker. Brunson advocates playing extremely aggressively. While Brunson is generally recognized as one of the best and most influential poker players of all time, Super System was written by the 70's and is considered by many to be dated. The other problem with Super System is that by now, most serious poker players have read it, making it a strategy that many people can instantly recognize and thwart!

On the other hand, there are several strategies that are significantly harder or impossible to detect. One is the simple use of statistics. Understanding the odds of hitting certain cards gives the player an incredible edge. From these odds a player can determine whether or not a bet is worth calling, or a hand is worth raising. Understanding these statistics offers the player an edge that is difficult to detect and even more difficult to defeat.

The other strategy worth mentioning involves bluffing. Obviously bluffing is a strategy, but without some sort of a pattern its potential is limited. One of the most effective ways to bluff is to essentially represent a hand. For example, if you are dealt a 4/3 suited, play that hand as if you were holding, say, pocket tens. This way, your betting on the hand will remain consistent. While you may lose a hand and inadvertently become exposed, it won't matter as the occurrence of your bluffs will remain completely undetectable! Part of this strategy requires a willingness to commit. One must be willing to push chips to the middle of the table with complete authority. You must play and act as if you have the best hand. There can be no doubts.

The third strategy, if one can call it that, involves watching the pros. Now that poker is televised, it has become much easier to learn. With each hand available to the watching viewer, the student can learn how the most successful players play hands, and learn to emulate. They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, but it could also be the quickest way to a couple of bucks.

By following these easy strategies almost any player will see real, tangible improvements to their game.