Betting smart may sound like an oxymoron, but there are some tricks to minimizing how much you lose and maximizing how much you win at the poker table. After all, a good poker player will still win even if he has bad cards, all because he knows how to bet correctly. Here are some advices:

Fold if you have to

One of the more intimidating aspects of the poker game is how much or how little one should bet. Eventually, as you develop a feel for the game, you will become more knowledgeable about when to bet and when to fold. As a rule, if you have nothing in your hand, do not expect a miracle. It is better to sacrifice your small early bets, than to rope yourself into a betting war with a seasoned pro.

Keep a poker face

Keep a poker face while betting, and do not give away any clues about how good or bad your hand is. The whole point of the game is to make sure that your opponents stay in dark.

Do not apply alcohol

When it comes to betting, alcohol can be your enemy. While beer and cigars tend to go hand in hand with poker night, alcohol is not recommended if you are going to play in a casino, especially if the stakes are a little higher. Here is a newsflash for you: alcohol makes you lose your inhibitions! If you suddenly find yourself betting the limit on a pair of twos, you have had too much to drink.

Maintain control

The best piece of advice for you is to bet with your head, not over it. This is the slogan for Gamblers Anonymous, and it could not be more true. Betting within your means will allow the game to remain fun. Remember, very few people make their fortunes playing poker. A lot more lose theirs.