Learning Something Other Than Holdem

By Wesley R. Young

The other day I was playing a game of Omaha high and a friend asked me why I wasn’t playing Texas holdem. My response was that I sometimes enjoy a change of pace. Of course his next question cut right to the meat, “Can’t you make more money playing holdem than something you don’t play very often?” Instead of taking the time to explain what I’m getting ready to explain to you, I just told him yes, and it was just for fun.

I believe that any person who strives to be the best poker player he or she can be, whether they predominately play holdem or some other form, should have some experience playing all of the most popular games. I play a little Holdem, Omaha, Omaha/8, 7 Card Stud and 7 Card Stud/8 in limit, no limit and pot limit. There are a few reasons for this belief, but the most important one is that all games of poker are based around the same general theme and structure. My holdem game has improved considerably because of some of my experiences playing the other games. Part of this is just the additional experience at the poker table, but most of it is understanding the underlying theories and strategies that are involved in all forms of poker. Probably the best way to explain it is this. If you have ever read anything by David Sklansky, you will know what I mean. He is probably the best poker author alive, but his books can be very hard to follow, especially for new players. I read a few of his books before I was a very good player and got very little from them. After playing in a wider range of games and gaining experience, I read some of his books again and they make much more sense to me now. Any experience at the poker table has a chance to help you improve your game, but by playing more than one game you will start to understand the game at a deeper level so that you will be able to play any game of poker competitively, once you know the rules.

A few of the other reasons to learn, and play other forms of poker are, some of the biggest games in Vegas and other places are mixed games, not just holdem, and often there may be a long list to sit in your chosen game but a seat is readily available in a different one. Why waste your time waiting if you can sit in a game right away?

In closing, consider playing a few games outside of your comfort level, have some fun and hopefully improve your overall game. Of course you should play them at first at much lower limits than you normally play. Until next week, good luck at the tables!