It’s no secret many Pittsburgh Steelers fans have a passion for poker. After all, when you watch sports TV, you are an observer. A keen, passionate one, yet an observer. You cannot impact the result except by sending energy and thoughts of support. In poker, you are right in the action. Your decisions impact the outcome and that’s incredibly exciting.
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A plethora of Steelers fans wave the infamous Terrible Towel during a home football game in Pittsburgh, PA.
Poker Science: 6 Top Tips from Steelers Fans
1. Look for Sites with Rakeback
One of the top tips Steelers fans often share is to find poker sites that offer rakeback. For those new to the term, it’s a rebate on the fees (or "rake") that poker rooms take from each pot. Put simply, you get some money you’ve already spent back. Steelers fans recommend this because just like in football, every small advantage counts.
To apply this, do some research on poker platforms that offer good rakeback deals. A good example, in this regard, is the no-KYC full house crypto platform. They provide rakeback of up to 25% which is higher than most poker sites can offer today.
2. Play on Platforms Where Competition Isn’t That Fierce
Another piece of advice (a not-so-obvious one, by the way) from Steelers fans is to play on platforms where the competition isn’t tough. In football, facing weaker teams always (okay, almost always) leads to wins. In poker, it’s the same.
So the trick is to look for platforms that are popular among beginners. Or, you can also look for those that offer frequent promotions to attract new players. One such site is JackPoker. They are a relatively new poker room that draws many newbies and mid-level players. Plus, they have cool Poker Bonus offers such as welcome quests (in some, you can win up to $7k) and freeroll festivals with cash prizes. You can unlock even more rewards by using this superJackBonus code on their website.
3. Play Poker Mini Games
Of course, it’s tempting to join a huge tournament with high stakes and massive prizes right away. Yet, Steelers fans suggest playing poker mini-games first. These are shorter, faster versions of traditional poker games. And they can be a fun way to sharpen your skills. Such games usually have lower stakes and are less intimidating, so this recommendation really makes sense.
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Thanks to mini-games, you’ll quickly adapt to different poker scenarios. You can experiment with strategies and get a feel for how others may play. Meanwhile, you won’t be risking too much of your bankroll. Mini-games are also a great way to pass the time when you have just half an hour or so.
4. Participate in Tournaments
As to contests and quests, Steelers fans often recommend starting with Omaha tournaments if you’re new to it. One possible explanation for that is that the Omaha variation forces you to think more carefully about your hands and the potential outcomes. That is, you HAVE TO be careful here. And if you are careful, your bankroll is a bit safer.
5. Experiment with Strategies
Very often, you may hear that you must find your strategy, test it, and if it works, stick to it for the rest of your days. Steelers fans have a different perspective on it. They suggest experimenting with different strategies (probably because they know very well that this works in the field).
For example, you might start with a tight-aggressive style. That is, you’ll play fewer hands, but bet aggressively when you do. Then, you could try a more loose-passive approach. You’ll play more hands but be cautious with your bets. Then, you’ll mix things up. Eventually, you’ll learn which strategy is best for each scenario.
6. Don’t Rely on Bluffing
No way, why not? Okay, bluffing is a well-known tactic in poker, indeed. However, Steelers fans caution against relying on it too much. The logic behind it is as follows: bluffing can win you a hand or two. But if you’re “caught,” it can backfire badly.
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Pittsburgh Steelers fans upset after the outcome of a game.
The alternative is to focus on solid, strategic play. Use bluffing sparingly and only when you’re confident it will work. The idea is to keep your opponents guessing without making bluffing the cornerstone of your strategy. Just like in football, where trick plays are rare and used strategically, bluffing in poker should be an occasional surprise, not your go-to move.
As you may see, Steelers fans have a lot of wisdom to share when it comes to poker. Will each of these tricks work for you? Not necessarily. After all, poker gameplay is situational. There are many factors in it that determine the outcome. Your strategy matters but it’s not the only thing that matters. Yet, each of these tips seems to make sense (at least, on paper) so they are certainly worth experimenting with.
