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Poker Coach Bencb Shares Thoughts on Indian Poker Players

This piece by Bencb was originally published in Gutshot Magazine’s June 2024 print edition. 

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As a poker coach with extensive experience working with players from diverse backgrounds, I’ve had the privilege of interacting with many talented individuals from the Indian poker community. In this guest column, I aim to illuminate Indian poker players’ strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement while also providing valuable tips to help them excel.

Insights about Indian poker players

One of the most notable strengths of Indian poker players is their fearlessness. This trait is highly valuable, especially in the deeper stages of tournaments, where players often face passive and money-conscious rivals. However, this fearlessness can also be a double-edged sword if not channelled properly.

In my experience, some Indian players can develop big egos and struggle with folding or giving up on bluffs. This tendency can lead to them punting off their stacks too often, particularly when facing other aggressive opponents. It’s crucial to learn when to be selective and pick spots wisely.

I recommend that Indian poker players focus on mastering the fundamentals. This includes studying preflop ranges, understanding ICM (Independent Chip Model) considerations in the early and middle stages of tournaments, and consistently applying these concepts.

It’s important to recognise that tournament poker, especially in the later stages, requires a different mindset and approach compared to cash games or early tournament stages. As players run deep, it becomes increasingly crucial to be selective. Avoid marginal spots, and preserve one’s stack to capitalise on future profitable opportunities.

One of the challenges faced by Indians is that they cannot play against international grinders. The geographical distance makes it difficult for many Indian players to compete in live events like the World Series of Poker (WSOP). These factors can hinder their ability to benchmark their skills against the global poker community.

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Also Read:  The Thrill of Online Poker: Why You Should Give It a Try

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I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with several Indian poker players at Raise Your Edge. Their talent and potential are undeniable, and I believe that with continued dedication, Indian players can make significant strides on the global stage.

Advice for Indian poker players

My advice to Indian players is to focus on mastering the fundamentals, understanding ICM and short-stack play, and maintaining a disciplined and selective approach, especially in the later stages of tournaments. By embracing these principles and continuously working on their game, Indian players can achieve remarkable success.

What Indian players should focus on?

• Master the fundamentals 
• Understanding ICM 
• Improve short-stack play 
• Maintain a disciplined and selective approach

About Bencb

Benjamin Rolle aka ‘bencb’ is a high stakes German pro and the founder of poker coaching platform RaiseYourEdge.com. He mentors poker players and offers insights from his extensive poker player experience with his courses that are aimed towards all kinds of poker players, from those who are beginning their career to the ones looking for expert advice to advance it as well. Bencb has won upwards of $30 million in online poker earnings over the years. 

For more updates from the poker world, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter  and Telegram

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