This intersession course aims to take students from novices who may know nothing about poker to above average players, in two weeks. The course will utilize hand examples and discussions of common poker situations to study the fundamentals of the game. The math, combinatoric, and game-theoretical aspects of poker will be covered, with practical examples of every concept. Lectures will focus on core concepts in Texas Hold `em, with an emphasis on cash games. Tournament-specific concepts will be covered towards the end. There will be a guest lecture by 2005 WSOP Main Event runner up Steve Dannenmann, whose live tournament winnings exceed $4 million. The course culminated with a poker tournament at the instructor’s home at the end of intersession.
An Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Poker
Intersession 2020
EN.650.201, Instagram: @jhupoker, #jhupoker
January 13-24
Professor Avi Rubin
Lecture 1, Jan 13, 2020
Topics: Rules of poker, counterfeiting, side pots, the basics
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Lecture video:
Lecture 2, Jan 14, 2020
Topics: Equity, pot odds, fundamentals
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Lecture 3, Jan 15, 2020
Topics: Starting Hand selection – pre-flop play
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Lecture 4, Jan 16, 2020
Topic: Pre-flop play, How to describe a hand, Types of bets
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Lecture 5, Jan 17, 2020
Topics: Bet types, Leveling, Post-flop play
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Lecture 6, Jan 21, 2020
Topic: Tournaments
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Lecture 7, Jan 22, 2020
Topic: Guest lecture by Steve Dannenmann, Rules of 2 & 4, some moves
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Lecture 8, Jan 23, 2020
Topic: Poker Etiquette, Turn strategy
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Lecture 9, Jan 24, 2020
Topic: An actual turn hand, River play, hand names
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