Nature documentaries can sometimes be difficult to watch. Imagine a herd of antelope gently roaming the plains, feeding on their diet of grasses, roots and agrian delicacies, grazing in complete harmony with nature, when suddenly, as if from another dimension, a roaring lion charges from behind bush, gives chase, and takes the poor buck down. It's not an easy scene to witness, even from behind the safety and security of a television screen. But it strikes to the very heart of how nature operates – cycles of predator and prey, all linked together in a symbiotic partnership.

Poker is the same: there can be only one winner, and while we don’t mean to sound too Darwinian, it must be said that a good poker strategy has the goal of taking down your opponents at just the right time, with just the right amount of cunning, and with all the energy you can muster. The result? You'll swagger away with the lion’s share, knowing that the concentration, the many hours of practice, and the pre-kill patience was thoroughly worth the effort.

Patience is the key

In community poker particularly, the key is patience. Remember, because the community cards apply to every player at the table, the only thing that sets you apart from everyone else are your two humble hole cards (the number will depend, of course, on which variation of community poker you playing). It is essential that you evaluate as best as possible not only what the community cards mean for your hand, but what they might mean for every other hand at the table. This often means a few rounds of hanging back, eyeing your opponent’s body movements, observing how he reacts while both under stress and when it at ease, the way he responds to the broad range of dynamics of the game. Think of it as lying in wait behind your proverbial bush, watching the movements of all the tasty morsels in front of you, and planning and approaching your playing strategy carefully and circumspectly. You’re waiting for just the right time to leap out of your inconspicuous shell and wreak havoc.

Don't allow yourself to be swept away by the often fast–paced nature of the game. If you're feeling confused and unsure of whether to stay in the round or bow out and cut your losses, it’s undoubtedly better to err on the side of caution and fold.  If, however, you do decide to continue playing in a game where your victory is in doubt and your investment large, do not under any circumstances let your concerns show themselves in your body gestures, eye movements, or general conversation. Be aware, always, that your opponents are constantly on the lookout (just as you are) for signs of weakness and easy kills. Keep your voice steady, firm, and consistent with your previous play. Then, let the good hands come to you, adjusting your play as the hands develop.

Many professional poker players often say that the true test of poker skill and prowess is simply waiting for the right moment to make itself known and take the table for everything. Rawr!

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