What Is The "Four Degrees Of Poker "strategy?

The "first degree of poker strategy" takes into consideration only the pocket cards and the community or board cards. This is required for a player to understand the game, but is a very simple concept and is not sufficient for winning play. The benefit of a First Degree thinker is that you will have the opportunity to win a variety of hands, but as the only hand considered is your own it is an unprofitable approach.

The second degree thinker considers his opponent and can put his opponent on a hand. This is superior to a First degree player as this player will be able to compare bets, thinking about the range of hands that might be played against. This provides enough knowledge to make good folds and avoid huge losses. There are weaknesses at this stage also; there is a risk that the second degree thinker will fall into traps and bluffs as they see the hand the way it appears on the surface.

The third degree player considers all of the above, but also what he wants his opponent to think they have.  Technique is used to deceive the opponent, using bluffs, reraise bluffs and semi-bluffs. However, the third degree thinker has a tendency to assume rather than read the opponents hands, concentrating on his own strategy.

The fourth degree player uses analysis and personal strategy to gain a well rounded viewpoint. This means that although using bluffs and reraise bluffs etc, he is less likely to fall into the trap of other players because his analytical ability and strategic approach support each other.

The goal of the "four degrees of poker" is not to aim for the fourth degree only, but to adapt all degrees into your poker game to be able to switch between them when beneficial and improve your chances of winning.