Contributing editor Michael Konik writes Cigar Aficionado's gambling column. As with any form of gambling, luck plays an important role in poker. But unlike many other games, poker rewards skillful players who understand the probabilities and psychology of the game. Expert players patiently fold their marginal hands until they're dealt a strong holding. At that point they will then bet aggressively, maximizing profitability.
Professional players know that a single mistake in a game like No Limit can be fatal.
So experts are careful not to confront other players with more chips, players who can bust them. The 1998 World Series of Poker begins on April 21 and runs through May 14. The Million Dollar Main Event starts on May 11. All Rights Reserved.