Alex Fitzgerald Breaks Down the Pre-Game Checklist
Best-selling poker author Alex Fitzgerald has published a new strategy piece on PokerOrg covering what players should observe the moment they take a seat at a low-stakes cash game — before a single card is dealt.
Why the First Few Minutes Matter
Experienced players know that the work of reading a table starts well before you post your first blind. Fitzgerald's checklist-style framework encourages players to treat that early window as a structured information-gathering exercise rather than idle waiting time.
While the full list is available at the source, the broader lesson runs through all ten points: deliberate observation early in a session can inform better decision-making throughout it. Rather than settling in passively, Fitzgerald nudges players to actively catalogue details about their surroundings, opponents' tendencies, and the general rhythm of the game.
A Practical, Skill-First Lens
What makes this piece worth bookmarking is its emphasis on process over outcome. The focus stays firmly on skill development — identifying table dynamics, player tendencies, and situational context — rather than results. That framing is useful for players at any level who want to approach the game more methodically.
Fitzgerald's background as a high-volume coach and author lends the advice a structured, no-nonsense quality. The ten-point format keeps things actionable rather than abstract, making it accessible whether you're relatively new to live cash games or a seasoned regular looking to tighten up your session routine.
Takeaway
If you've ever sat down at a table and felt like you were reacting to the game rather than reading it, this checklist offers a concrete starting framework. The discipline of active observation is one of those transferable skills that compounds over time — quietly sharpening your edge session by session.