Here is a poker strategy that many people fail to follow, but by adopting it you will help yourself become a better player and you will have an edge on the weaker players in your game.

First, switch your thinking for a moment from cards to slot machines. As yourself this: What is the worst part of playing slot machines? It's when the first two slots reveal a big win, but the third slot turned out to be trash and you lose the money you put in the machine. It's the promise of coming so close to winning only to get that last, worthless slot.

When you play poker, whether you are playing seven card stud, five card draw, Texas Hold'em, or any other of the innumerable poker games out there, one secret of the pros is to fold on a short straight.

For example, say you are dealt a 3, 4, 6, and 7. Which means, you are hoping desperately to be dealt a five in the upcoming cards. What are your chances of getting the five? Most amateurs you receive this hand will play it out, in the hopes that they receive the card they are hoping for. But most pro's, when they receive this hand, will fold.

Without getting into the boring science of odds in poker, consider this: in a 52 card deck, there are only four fives. It doesn't matter how many other players there are or how many other cards are getting dealt out to people, those are still terrible odds! Even if you are playing draw poker, where you expect to get a few more cards, the chances are still very, very low. If you do get a five, it will virtually be a poker miracle. It doesn't happen often, so if it has happened to you, you should consider yourself very lucky.

So what should you do when you are faced with this hand? You do have a couple of options, depending on the game you're playing. You have a better chance of holding out for a flush since there are 13 of those in each deck and you already have several in your hand. If you are playing draw, you may want to keep your two best cards and burn the rest, hoping for a pair.

Unless that rabbit foot of yours really works, if you are dealt a short straight, your best bet is to fold or look for something else because it is highly unlikely that you will find what you are looking for.