In chapter 20 of Advanced Texas Hold’em, David Hamms explains that disciplined bankroll management is the foundation of long-term success in online poker. He emphasizes that skill alone is not enough—without a properly managed bankroll, even strong players are vulnerable to variance, emotional mistakes, and forced poor decisions. Why Bankroll Management Matters Hamms frames a…

In chapter 19 of Advanced Texas Hold’em, David Hamms focuses on the critical distinction between pot odds and hand equity, explaining why many poker decisions cannot be reduced to simple odds calculations. He shows how skilled players combine mathematical equity, betting dynamics, opponent tendencies, and implied odds to exploit small but meaningful edges. Pot Odds…

In chapter 18 of Advanced Texas Hold’em, David Hamms explains how shorthanded poker (3-handed and heads-up) changes both the math and the mindset: ranges widen, good-but-not-premium hands gain value, and success depends heavily on adjusting to opponent tendencies, mixing aggression with trapping, and managing pressure through stack and blind dynamics. Why Shorthanded Is Different Hamms’…

In chapter 17 of Advanced Texas Hold’em, David Hamms outlines a practical approach to online tournament play, emphasizing how strategy must change across tournament stages as blinds/antes rise, stacks shrink relative to the pot, and player behavior shifts. Choosing the Right Tournaments as a Beginner Hamms recommends that newer players start with small buy-in online…

In chapter 16 of Advanced Texas Hold’em, Advanced Texas Hold’em, David Hamms describes the “meta-game” as the game within the game: the shifting battle of perception, table image, and multi-level thinking that sits on top of cards and math. The Four Levels of Thinking Hamms presents poker decision-making as a ladder of increasing sophistication: What…

In chapter 15 of Advanced Texas Hold’em, Advanced Texas Hold’em, David Hamms focuses on the mental and emotional discipline required to consistently play your best poker, emphasizing self-awareness, fatigue management, and recognizing when your decision-making begins to slip. The Importance of Self-Awareness Hamms explains that strong poker performance depends heavily on understanding your internal state….

In chapter 14 of Advanced Texas Hold’em, Advanced Texas Hold’em, David Hamms explains that the ability to read opponents and exploit their tendencies is often more important than knowing mathematical probabilities. Long-term winners separate themselves by understanding how opponents play, not just what the cards say. Why Reading Opponents Matters Hamms emphasizes that poker is…

In chapter 13 of Advanced Texas Hold’em, Advanced Texas Hold’em, David Hamms focuses on how to play profitably in loose, small-stakes games where many players enter pots with weak cards and frequent pre-flop raises are common. Understanding Loose Games Hamms defines loose games as tables where players regularly: enter pots with poor starting hands, call…

In chapter 12 of Advanced Texas Hold’em, Advanced Texas Hold’em, David Hamms explains how big bet poker (no limit and pot limit) fundamentally differs from limit poker, focusing on stack sizes, pressure, and the strategic power of money rather than just cards. What Makes Big Bet Poker Different Hamms emphasizes that in big bet poker,…

In chapter 11 of Advanced Texas Hold’em, Advanced Texas Hold’em, David Hamms explores bluffing and betting as advanced skills that separate strong players from average ones, emphasizing planning, hand reading, and consistent betting logic rather than impulsive moves. Bluffing as a Planned Strategy Hamms stresses that effective bluffing is not spontaneous. Strong bluffs are conceived…