Texas Hold Em - Basic Strategy for Newbies

Pre-Flop Strategy

Before you start betting like a madman when you get two eights in the pocket, you need to carefully consider all factors involved in solid pre-flop strategy.The factors to consider are the number of players, how aggressive/passive the players at the table are, your bankroll, your position, and how much risk you are willing to entail.

Number of players: With 10 people in the game, it's much more likely that someone else has a strong hand in the pocket than in a short-handed game. Also, you'll need to be more cautious in larger games, as the chances of someone's pre-flop hand fitting the flop will be much better. More competition means stiffer competition.

How aggressive the players are: Assuming you've been playing with a few people for several hands, and you noticed some jackass is raising every hand pre-flop, you'll want to play tighter. Let the guy win the blinds (big deal) and nail him to the wall when you have a solid hand in the pocket pre-flop.

Your bankroll: If you have $2 left, you'll want to play extremely carefully and select one hand to bet on, hoping to get as many players involved as possible for a larger pot. You'll want to be all-in before the flop is dealt. On the flip-side, if you have $1000 at a $1/$2 table, you can take the high-risk, high-payout bets.

Your position: People in late position have the ability to influence the size of the pot much more than those in early position. This is especially true pre-flop.

Your tolerence for risk: Depending on your playing style, you may want to play more or less aggressively pre-flop. Players who shoot for larger pots, but don't mind a greater chance for losing a few hands will want to raise pre-flop, especially if they are in late position. Some players prefer to be as selective as possible pre-flop, grinding out a winning hand here or there. It really depends on your own style of play, and how you perceive the players around you.

You might also want to consider what cards you have in your hand. Naturally, AA is the best to start with. It helps if your hand is suited or if the cards are sequential in rank like a Seven and an Eight ("connected"). It's important to understand how your two cards hold up against other combinations of cards though.

Jersey Joe

What a Fucking Loser !

Well, it finally happened. Mike Cunningham, self proclaimed professional poker player has finally fessed up to what we all knew. He is a Loser. Not just a Loser, but a cry baby !

Waaaaaah !!! I came to Vegas gambled and lost some money. I played against Mike in Vegas, when he gave me his card. he gave out some many of the ridiculous fucking things that he can not possible remember me.

Here is a hint Mike, I kicked your ASS ! Oooops, that's not a good clue, it seems that everyone else did also.

Mikey Boy has folded up his tent and moved to greener pastures. I must be honest and say that I will miss him and hope that he comes back so that I can continue to taunt him and his sorry game. The guy truly does not know how to play poker. Imagine not being able to make a great living off of drunken tourists ?

I can not believe it.

In any event, if you want to visit a blog that contains some solid strategy on how to win in Texas Hold Em ( both on line and live play) check in every now and then, and will try to update it and keep it interesting.

Jersey Joe