Texas Holdem Tips

Texas Holdem is a very exciting poker game, usually producing thrilling endings and large-sized jackpots.  It becomes quite unpredictable because there are several factors which players can use to their advantage, especially if lacking in one area more than another.  For instance, if a player does not have a strong hand, they can ride on their bluffing skills.  Another player may also have a weak hand, but may be calling out other players with their discernment skills used to find betting patterns in their opponents. 

You can see that strategy becomes a big part of being a successful Texas Holdem player.  The key to it all is knowing when to fold a hand and knowing when to stay in the game.  There are too many unknowns to play by a strategy that says such and such a move will work every time.  Rather, players must know when their chances of winning are greatest and when they are not, thus warranting a fold of the hand.  Unless you are holding one the following hands from the beginning, you should fold before the Flop:

• Two face cards whether of different or same suits, and/or with an Ace (An Ace with a 10 of the same suit is acceptable to hold onto).

• A face card and a ten in the same suit.

• Any pair, seven or higher.

After the Flop, only stay in the game if you have the following:

• As for definitive hands, only stay in with a High Pair or higher at this point...If the Flop produces a pair itself, it is advisable to fold the High Pair and stay in with a Two Pair or higher.

• As for anything that holds potential of becoming a ranking hand after the Flop, only stay in for those hands that have potential of forming into a straight or higher.

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