The Four Types of Luck and How They Operate in Poker

Both skill and luck are great to have on your side, but it’s hard to increase your stack if you have high-level skills and no luck during a game. The same applies to a beginner who has a series of strong hands but doesn’t know what to do with them. A good player knows how to play a hand whether it’s strong or weak – there are strategies for both scenarios.

Playing online poker for real money can be long and tedious, so you will experience good and bad moments throughout. The key is knowing how to increase your odds no matter the situation. For example, a player with a weak hand can bluff to scare off opponents who are holding a stronger hand. An individual with a strong hand wants to keep as many players involved to increase the pot. This can be achieved in several ways, such as slow playing or letting the opponents do the betting for you.

When a player makes use of both skill and luck, they’re going to be a problem around the table. Thanks to Dr. James H. Austin’s 1978 book titled Chase, Chance, and Creativity: The Lucky Art of Novelty, we are able to dive deep into the four types of luck – an important aspect of poker theory. Let’s look at what they are and how to make the most of them.

1. Luck in preparation

From sports and casino games to university and work, preparation is fundamental to success. Without it, people can crumble in the face of adversity. With it, you’re well-equipped to counter situations with the correct strategies.

There are a lot of external and internal factors to prepare for in poker. Players can expect many different scenarios, from a string of weak hands and losing to a player on a flush to winning the first few rounds and then plateauing for hours. Preparation is a way to keep focused during crucial parts and make the right calls at the right time. For beginners, the more you play, the better your preparation will become.

2. Blind luck

Out of the four types of luck, blind luck is the most common. Sometimes novice players experience blind luck without knowing it, such as not noticing they’re holding a straight. It’s important to constantly monitor your and the dealer’s cards, identify potential hands and know what the strongest hand available is. Blind luck can come in the form of a four-of-a-kind, straight flush or another winning hand – you definitely don’t want to miss it if it happens to you.

3. Luck unique to you