The checklist consists of five questions that are needed to be answered while making a decision in a tough poker game. The check list may be different for different games and situations and will also keep changing with time.
Below is a list for no-limit Texas hold’em tournaments.
Thumb: The first question is whether you want to play a big pot or a small pot and this will completely depend upon your cards. In tournaments, you generally prefer to reduce your variance as much possible. Typically, you are not looking for a few massive confrontations in which you have a small edge, rather you prefer many small confrontations in which you can control your outcome. You only want a big confrontation if you have a big edge (say, 60-40).
Index finger: The next thing that needs to be judged is the cards your opponent has. You must not be content at having good cards, but must consider what range of cards he might have. You must try and understand his betting pattern, telltale outward signs and shows of emotions that might tend to flicker across his face. You can even put him on a specific hand, although, this is sometimes not considered prudent. It is better to play off against a “range of possible hands.”
Middle finger: Knowing your opponent’s move – Some players will never fold top pair. In that case, even though you have 15 outs with your straight and flush draw, and you are the favorite over his A-K with a king on the flop, you should not move all in. Mainly because you “know” he will not fold and you do not want to get all of your chips in without a big edge. Alternatively, some players will fold everything. Against a player like this, you could consider bluffing every single chance you get and might manage to see massive profits.
Ring finger: Wrong assessment of the opponent and his hand. Thus even if you have the best hand, the consequences of being wrong and misjudging are just too great. If there is a doubt in your mind, take the safe route out.
Pinky finger: Going blank. Sometimes, one’s mind goes completely blank, and you tend to play like a fool. All of his moves scream aces and everything in the player’s mind is screaming fold. Yet, with J-J on a flop of T-7-2, the player announces, “Call,” and shoves in all the chips. The mind has gone blank and with no apparent reason. The pinky finger reminds you of this disaster.