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Casinos> Gambling Articles > Texas Hold‘Em Strategy Tips
Texas Hold‘Em Strategy Tips
If you want to be a great Texas Hold ‘Em play, you need to learn how
to read your competition; do they have a good win-all hand, or are they
bluffing? Learning to read other players is something you’ll have to do on your
own, but learning the basic rules and strategies of the game will allow you to
hold your own during a friendly game of Texas Hold ‘Em. From there, you can
hone your skills to perfection.
Remember
- The
two cards you have in your hand are the only thing that can place you
above the other players and enable you to win.
- The
cards that are face up on the table are not yours alone. They are shared
with everyone who is playing at the table.
Focus
It is imperative that you focus on what the shared cards
will mean to the other players as much as you focus on what they mean to you.
Do these cards have the ability to provide your competition with an opportunity
for flushes or straights?
Evaluate
The first decision you have to make when playing Texas Hold
‘Em will have to be made with only the knowledge of the two cards that are in
your hand. Look at your cards but be sure not to allow your reaction to show in
any way. Facial expressions, a quick intake of breath or other reactions to the
cards can be read by the other players at the table. This gives them an
advantage, which is something you don’t want them to have. When playing Texas
Hold ‘Em, keep you emotions tightly under wraps. Learn the meaning of “poker
face.”
Assessing Your Cards
Whether or not you hold good cards depends largely on how
many people are playing. A good rule of thumb is to fold, or consider folding,
before the flop if you hold two non-pair cards that are numerically valued at
less than ten. Conservative players sometimes fold if even one card is below
the value of ten. An aggressive player may continue to play even if he holds
only an eight and a nine of the same suit. These cards do set up and
opportunity for a flush or straight and are worth giving serious consideration.
Exception to the Rule
If the blind is low, consider putting in. Take a look at the
flop, even if the cards in your hand aren’t particularly good. Never abuse this
exception to the rule, as it can get you into a lot of hot water that you may
not be able to get out of.
Your Hand
Texas Hold ‘Em strategy largely depends on the hand you are dealt. Be prepared to
endure several poor hands without losing your patience before you get a
particularly good hand. This will happen and when it does, you’ll be in a great
position to take advantage of the higher hands. So, don’t waste your chips
trying to win with a losing hand. Save them for the good hands.
Flop
If the flop isn’t good, be sure to cut your losses. Never
make the decision to continue play just because you’re already in on the hand.
If there are seven people playing, the pair or a better hand
will usually win. If the high pair is not in your hand after the flop and
there’s no opportunity for a flush or straight, it’s time to fold.
As the number of players decreases, so does the opportunity
for a strong hand. If you’re only playing against a couple of other players, it
might pay off to be more aggressive. It’s definitely the call of each
individual and whether they feel comfortable playing aggressively.
If it’s up to you to bet after the flop, consider the option
to check. If you have a hand that’s a little weak, this will possibly give you
the opportunity to see one more card without adding chips to the pot. On the
other hand if you have strong cards, your opponents may believe that it’s
weaker than it truly is. Either way, it could change your position in the game.
The Turn and the
River
The Turn and the River, also known as the fourth and fifth
community cards, gives you two more opportunities to either fold and get out,
or to multiply your winnings. At this point, it’s probable that only one or two
players remain in the game with you. Use extreme caution. After the fourth
community card, don’t hang on hoping for a flush or a straight unless you can
hang in on a check and not have to add chips to the pot. Though at times you
may have possibly drawn the flush or straight, they will be far outnumbered by
the times that you wouldn’t have. Be careful not to get in too deep if you have
a weak hand.
Protecting Your
Investment
There are times you will have to stay in the game to protect
the investment you’ve already made. The best way to calculate this is by the
percentage of your poker chips; if you’ve already put thirty-five percent of
your chips into the pot, another five or ten percent isn’t that bad. This is a
very gray area however, and the final decision has to be one your can live
with. My only advice is to use caution, enjoy yourself and have fun. Good luck!
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