You are probably very familiar with everything that is outlined below. However, we feel it necessary to remind you of the basic rules that you should adhere to in order to play poker better.
In general, we have highlighted a few important tips that we would like to look at in more detail. In the first part of this material, we will talk about two of them: playing position and playing fewer hands.
1. play fewer hands.
Suits aside, there are 169 different starting hands in Texas Hold’em.
Of all these potential hands, only five of them belong to the highest category.
- 1.A-A
- 2.K-K
- 3.Q-Q
- 4.A-K
- 5.J-J.
If you have not been raided before you, you should always play these hands, regardless of your position at the table. However, if you are faced with a raiser, especially if someone else has made a call or raiser, playing anything other than Aces and Kings can be a mistake.
The 15 best starting teams are:
1. A-A
2. .K-K
3. Q-Q
4. A-K
5. J-J
6. 10-10
7. A-Q
8. A-J
9. A-K
10. K-Q
11. A-10
12. K-J
13. A-Q
14. 9-9
15. J-Q (singles).
Strong starting hands reduce the number of difficult decisions you will face. Naturally, the way you play, as well as how you play it, will vary depending on many different situations. But by and large, only a few people are considered eligible for the draw.
You can play almost any hand with any potential value, as long as no one before you has opened a draw or made a raiser or limp.
Once someone has raised before you, you should limit the number of hands you can play to avoid domination.
For example, you should not play K-Q when responding to a raiser because your hand will be dominated by A-A, K-K, Q-Q, A-K, and A-Q.
You should only play your best ten to fifteen hands if you are new to poker and have no compelling reason to do otherwise. The more you play and improve, the more hands you can play.
But for starters, keep things simple and always head to the flop with your best cards.
2. Win position.
The position you occupy at the poker table is the most important and valuable.
If you’re not familiar with the term, position means that you act last or one of the last in the draw. This can be when the player sitting behind you has reset their cards or when you hit the dealer’s button.
After the first round of betting, the entire table follows you throughout the subsequent draw, making blinds the most awkward places to position yourself.
Having a position will always give you more information during a draw than any of your opponents, regardless of your skill level, circumstances, or cards.
Team members have four main arguments for participating:
1. You have more information than your opponents when you make a move.
2- This position provides you with “bluff equity,” that is, easier, more accessible, and more favorable bluffing opportunities.
3. In this position, you can make more accurate bets for “valuables”.
4. The position gives you full control over the size of the pot.