Online Poker

Rush Poker, the new cash game format at Full Tilt Poker, seems to be catching on. While the core play of poker doesn't really change in a Rush Poker game, there are a few key differences that can make it a dangerous proposition for the unprepared.

Here are a few of the best tips

1. Don't fold too soon

Sure, the advantage of Rush Poker is that you can fold and get a new hand ASAP, but don't be in too much of a hurry. Always wait for the action to reach you before you fold, especially if you are in good position. Many less patient players will quickly fold and move on, and this can allow you to make a strong play with what would normally be a marginal hand. You should still play pretty tight, but don't fold mindlessly.

2. The big blind must pay

Never let the big blind see the flop for free in a hand you are going to play. Most people will only play the best hands in Rush Poker, but you'll have no idea what the big blind is playing if you don't force them to pay to see the flop. Don't let other people play their borderline hands if you can stop them from doing so. You'll be able to steal a lot of blinds if everyone keeps thinking they can only win with monster hands, while you are watching and waiting for an opportunity to blitz the blinds!

Of course, if YOU can see the flop for free when you are posting blinds, then be sure to take advantage of the opportunity. If the flop looks like it could give you a good straight or flush without any high cards, a raise can really scare off your opposition.

3. Send in the shock troops

Very few players are going to remember how you play in a Rush Poker game, so you can't intimidate them over time - you have to give them a shock. Expect to raise and re-raise often, and for other players to do the same as soon as cards are on the board.

4. Don't sweat stolen blinds

If someone makes a clear play to steal your blinds, don't sweat it. While it can make you look soft in a normal game, it is quite unlikely that you'll be up against the same players on future blinds in Rush Poker. You can't afford to be forced into a raising war with a bad hand.

5. Play VERY tight

While you should keep on the lookout for opportunities to profitably play less-than-optimal hands, most of your play should be super tight. Don't get lured into only playing the very strongest hands, but don't get caught up in raising wars on a marginal hand either, as your opponents will often only make a play with great hole cards, or at least hole cards with a lot of potential.

Do you have any suggestions of your own for playing Rush Poker at Full Tilt Poker? Have you got any good Rush Poker stories to tell? Please share your secrets with us all in the comments.

-Shad