15 Nov 2025 Beginner This material is for beginner players check-raise draw position value bet Nathan "BlackRain79" Williams breaks down seven critical poker strategies that separate winners from losers. Learn when to raise, which hands to avoid, how to read player types, and when to extract value. These simple fixes help beginners stop donating chips and start winning consistently at low stakes games. Master aggressive preflop play, avoid weak aces, respect tight players' check raises, and extract thin river value with medium pairs. Essential Winning Strategies: Never limp first into the pot—always raise when entering first to take control and build bigger pots with strong hands Avoid playing ace-rag hands like A4 or A5 as they get crushed by stronger aces and put you in dominated situations Don't bluff aggressive maniacs who call with weak hands—save your bluffs for players who can actually fold Respect check-raises from tight players as they almost always indicate monster hands or strong draws Flat call aggressive players with top pair instead of raising to keep their wide bluffing range in play Fold low flush draws when facing bets and raises—you risk losing huge pots to higher flush draws Bet middle pairs for thin value on the river instead of checking—many weaker hands will call you down
