“The Big Three Rules” for Winning at Poker

Here’s a piece by Tofer Goggin and poker coach Alex Fitzgerald, where together they outline a basic yet remarkably effective strategy for recreational players. No complex solvers, deep calculations, or years of grinding — just three simple principles that can dramatically improve your results. Stick to these rules, and you’ll be able to outplay most opponents at the table with confidence. For those who would like to observe how platforms affect real games, you are also welcome to read a complete PokerStars NJ review to observe how these ideas are translated into online play.

As I began working together with Alex Fitzgerald on this strategy, our goal was to create a set of basic, easy-to-remember guidelines that beginners could rely on in real games. It's similar to a launching point for a good poker strategy.

Whenever we can, we will:

• Play hands in position
• Play with initiative
• Play heads-up

That's it.

Modern poker teaching makes it seem like there's something equivalent to flying a space shuttle that goes into playing Hold'em. And of course, maybe there is when playing against Phil Ivey across the felt. But for the rest of us who play for fun, their opponents always make mistakes. If you simply avoid those mistakes and attempt to get a few things right, you'll have a real advantage over almost anyone you're playing against.

Don't over-complicate the game. A player who consistently plays with a simple, glaring strategy will annihilate those who get mired trying to keep pace with complex concepts.

1. Playing in Position

Position is something that most players know automatically. On every betting street, the player out of position must act first, typically making a guess and giving information about his hand. The player in position observes those moves before acting.

But in the real world, it's even more powerful than most realize. Because as Daniel Negreanu once said, whenever you check, bet, or raise, you're telling them something. And information is power. Even if the advantage you gain in each separate spot may seem slight, in many different streets and hands, the total advantage of always being last to act comes close to un-beatable.

Too many gamers play position like it is a matter of chance and not something you can actively control. But you do know where you sit. You do know the play style to your left. Use it.

If you're on the side of a aggressive player who likes to call, you may not need to risk putting your marginal hand into the pot. At another table, a wider open or a timely three-barrel might make troublemakers fold up. Make a considered decision and consider everything — including folding. That's how naturally chips start going your way.

2. Playing with Initiative

"Check to the raiser" is excellent advice but hides the bigger truth: it's better to be the raiser.

In a hand, the player with initiative is the individual who made the last aggressive action. You raised preflop and the big blind just called? You've got the initiative on the flop. But if the BB check-raises and you call, the initiative passes to them on the turn.

Why does that matter? Because in real games, the player with initiative wins more than mathematics alone will suggest. Defenders fold too often against past aggressors. Initiative acts similarly to momentum in poker — the aggressor drives the action, and the rest just try to survive.

Alex has borne this out in practice: nearly all opening hands from the same spot play better for profit when played aggressively, rather than being simply flattened.

This isn't an invitation to mindlessly shoot at every pot. But you need to look for ways to be the aggressor. Offense is superior to defense. Target opponents who enjoy calling but will rarely raise — they're perfect victims. They'll allow you to control the tempo: bet whenever you desire, check whenever you desire, and they'll fold the very first time they ever exhibit toughness (which typically signifies that they have it).

If you check and call only, your sole means of winning is showdown. Taking initiative opens up numerous paths to victory.

3. Heads-Up Playing

The concept is simple: it is easier to win against one opponent than it is against more than one.

If you’ve got a strong hand, you’re likely winning anyway. But even with bluffs, your chances are far higher against just one player. With multiple opponents in the pot, the odds that someone connects with the board go up dramatically.

Heads-up is a different world. Both players often miss. And when nobody has anything, the savvy player usually takes the pot — especially if they also hold position and initiative.

In heads-up, you are focused on one opponent. If you would like them to fold, you bet. If you would like them to call, you change your line. In multiway pots, it is a lot harder to control several players at the same time. And don't forget: finishing second of four is still losing money.

Yeah, you can remark: "But I have multiway pots all around! Where are these heads-up hands you speak of?" True observation. Real heads-up pots don't materialize very often anymore. It's like spotting Bigfoot — or being able to use a restroom without a wait at the WSOP. But that does not mean it cannot occur.

You will be leading if you find yourself in more heads-up pots than your opponents.

And remember: too many players just permit multiway pots without trying to prevent them. And like position, you can make it happen. A bigger preflop raise or a timely three-bet can dislodge uncautious callers. Small opens and passive flats to your hand are offers to come on in. Bigger sizes and aggressive play are your "No Trespassing" signs.

Pay specific notice to the big blind. They're a sticky, aggressive defender if they are one. It will be tough to handle them. But at most tables, there is at least one player folding too much to preflop aggression. When in the BB, open wider — your odds of heads-up improve a lot.

Wrapping It Up

These three conditions are like poker traffic lights. When a condition is met, you have a green light. The more greens you have, the better the spot for aggression.

Consider this: you open from the cutoff, and only the big blind calls. You're heads-up, with initiative, and in position to the flop. Three green lights! The BB checks to you — now's your time: value bet, continuation bluff, whatever works.

Now compare it to calling a raise from the big blind against three players. You’re out of position, without initiative, in a multiway pot. Three red lights. That’s danger. You’ll need a monster hand to continue.

Remember: the "Big Three Rules" weren't created in a vacuum. You will have to battle for your green lights. Your tools are bets, raises, and larger sizing. If it is going to make you more apt to gain position or isolate heads-up by adding a bit more to your raise, it's probably worth doing.

The professionals can examine ranges and solver reports for hours. But the "Big Three Rules" are simple enough for anyone to remember. If things fall into place for you, floor it. Otherwise, throttle back and play it safe.