Online Poker:HOW TO POWER PLAY

Texas Holdem Poker, Poker Hands and Poker Guide Strategy

Online Poker:HOW TO POWER PLAY STRATEGY

Knowing which Poker hands to play is a fundamental part of Texas Hold'em Poker. New players often fall into the trap of playing too many hands - a surefire way to lose money quickly. Whilst there's nothing to stop you folding every hand until you're dealt a monster hand, your bankroll would eventually be whittled down by the blinds and players would learn to fold like lightening when you do play a hand.

So, what's the right balance? Here is a good list of starting Poker hands for new player to keep handy. Please note the differences between suited and off-suit -they are off-suit as default unless otherwise noted.

TOP POKER CARDS

When you're dealt Aces, Kings, or AK suited, you can and should raise and even re-raise before the flop, no matter your position. You have to be a bit more careful with pair of queens or jacks, but the chances are so huge that you are top hand before the Hop. Raise and drive out the draw hands, if there are no raises in front of you.

STRONG POKER CARDS

Why are these strong? lf you notice, all have strong flush or straight draw chances, as well as a high face card. The pairs of 10's or 9's have to be included simply because of the rarity of being dealt a pocket pair, and these being on the high end. With strong cards, look to raise in middle or late position, only if nobody has raised before you. If you raise in middle position and someone in late position re-raises, be careful. If they're a strong player they probably have you beat in card strength unless they're bluffing to try and take the antes.

DECENT POCKET CARDS

Don't bother raising with these cards unless everyone in front of you has folded. Also, be careful playing these in middle position. To be honest, you probably want to see the flop as cheaply as possible - so beware of calling any big raises from other players.

These cards can turn into monster hands though, because of their deceptive value. lf you have a reputation as a strong player, other players won't be expecting you to make a straight with a 9-8. Another reason to at least play these cards sometimes is to keep yourself from getting a reputation as a rock. If you only play nut cards and every time you raise, everyone else folds, you're missing out on some big bucks.

BARELY PLAYABLE POCKET POKER CARDS

Let's be clear - these cards have to have serious help from the board if you're to win with them. If you can get to the flop cheaply it can be worth it though, as these are draw hands to flushes and straights - and you could always hit trips with your low pair.

These cards can make good bluff hands when you're 'on the button', and everyone in front of you has either folded or called the blinds, because they at least hold some potential. But still, these are 'play and pray' cards. In low limit games they might be worth it, but if you play these cards every time, you'll see your chip stack sink fast. All other cards not mentioned above are complete trash. Fold 'em!