Probably, the most influential decision you will ever make in a game of poker is whether to play or fold your pocket cards. Although there is a saying that “You have to be in it to win it”, knowing when to play the hand you are dealt, and when to fold, is vitally important.
There are three factors you need to take into account – The value of your cards, your position on the table, and the type of people you are playing with, and it is better to take these considerations in reverse.
Your opponents
The style of player that you find yourself amongst will have the ultimate bearing on whether you choose to play the cards you have been dealt and what size bet to make. If you are on a very aggressive table, you may have to allow for the fact that somebody in the ring is going to raise your bet, so you may elect to keep it fairly modest if you are not sure your hand is the best.
If you are playing on a tight table, where all the other players are betting conservatively, again you may have to consider a smaller bet for fear of having your opponents fold and leave you to collect just the blinds and any antes. In between, or with a variety of players, you may find you can increase the amount – especially if you have identified some as “calling stations”.
Your Position and Cards
Your position in relation to the dealer is also important. Those seated immediately to the left are considered in early position and, as the betting circulates, the positions change to mid- and then late position. Those situated just to the right of the dealer have an advantage insomuch as they are aware of all the betting that has preceded their turn – indeed, the dealer is in the best position – and can call, raise or fold depending on what action has already occurred. Therefore, it is better to have a premium set of cards towards the end of the betting than it is at the beginning.
If you are situated in early position, most poker experts consider pairs of Jacks or higher, and any two cards of ace, king and queen, to be the only hands to get involved with. Even with these high ranking cards, your bets should be kept to only a few times the blind until you have seen how the other players are betting. Being located further around the table allows you to be a little looser with your hand selection and, provided you have not just seen a monster bet go down on the table, you may want to get involved with a middle pair or lower, connected or suited cards. Being towards the end of the circuit, gives you a great more flexibility with what you choose to include in your opening hand selection, and if there is nothing substantial in front of you, gives the opportunity for a bluff.
A final word of advice is to frequently change your opening hand selection. If you acquire a reputation for only playing when you have jacks or better, you may find players folding automatically when you bet – irrespective of the stake. By keeping them guessing about what you have in your hand, it will add a variety to your play and not allow your opponents to “read” your game.
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