What Hands to Play in Poker: Beginner’s Guide

Understanding what hands to play in poker is the first step for any beginner venturing into the world of Texas Hold’em. The pre-flop decisions you make can significantly impact your success, influencing everything from your chip stack to your overall strategy. A poker odds calculator, a crucial tool for players, helps determine the probability of different hands winning, guiding you in making informed choices about which hands to play. Similarly, sites like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) offer resources and insights into hand selection strategies employed by professional players. Expert opinions from figures like Doyle Brunson, a legendary poker player, often emphasize the importance of playing tight, especially when starting out.

Welcome to the Poker Table: A Beginner’s Journey into Texas Hold’em

Poker, especially Texas Hold’em, might seem intimidating at first glance.

Perhaps you’ve watched it on TV, seen friends play, or simply heard about its strategic depth.

Whatever piqued your interest, you’ve landed in the right place.

This guide aims to gently usher you into the exciting world of poker.

What is Texas Hold’em? A Quick Overview

Texas Hold’em is a poker variant where each player receives two private cards ("hole cards").

Five community cards are then dealt face-up in the center of the table.

Players combine their hole cards with the community cards to make the best possible five-card hand.

The player with the highest-ranking hand at showdown wins the pot. Betting rounds occur before and after each set of community cards is revealed.

Why Learn Poker? More Than Just Luck

Poker is far more than just a game of chance. It’s a compelling blend of skill, psychology, and strategic decision-making.

Here’s why you might consider taking the plunge:

• Fun and Engagement: Poker offers a stimulating and social activity, perfect for friendly gatherings or online play.
• Strategic Thinking: The game demands sharp analytical skills, forcing you to evaluate probabilities, assess risk, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Mental Exercise: Poker is a mental workout, improving your focus, memory, and ability to think critically under pressure.
• Social Interaction: Whether playing online or in person, poker is a great way to engage with others.

A Clear and Simple Path Forward

Many poker guides overwhelm beginners with complex jargon and advanced strategies.

Our approach is different. We believe in simplicity and clarity.

This guide will focus on the essential concepts, presented in an easy-to-understand manner.

We aim to equip you with a solid foundation, allowing you to quickly grasp the game’s fundamentals and start playing with confidence.

You’ll gain practical insights and avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary details.

Let’s begin this exciting journey together!

Understanding the Basics: Poker Hands, Position, and Pre-Flop Action

Now that you’re stepping onto the poker stage, it’s time to understand the essential building blocks of the game. These include the hierarchy of poker hands, the strategic importance of your position at the table, and the possible actions you can take before the flop.

These elements are fundamental to your success and will set the stage for more advanced strategies as you gain experience.

Decoding Poker Hand Rankings

The bedrock of poker lies in understanding the ranking of different poker hands. From the humble High Card to the coveted Royal Flush, each hand holds a specific value that determines the winner at showdown.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• High Card: The weakest hand, determined by the highest-ranking single card.

• Pair: Two cards of the same rank (e.g., two Queens).

• Two Pair: Two different pairs (e.g., two Kings and two 10s).

• Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank (e.g., three 7s).

• Straight: Five cards in sequential rank (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9).

• Flush: Five cards of the same suit (e.g., five hearts).

• Full House: Three of a kind and a pair (e.g., three Aces and two 4s).

• Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank (e.g., four Jacks).

• Straight Flush: Five cards in sequential rank, all of the same suit (e.g., 8♦ 9♦ 10♦ J♦ Q♦).

• Royal Flush: The highest possible hand: 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, all of the same suit.

Don’t worry if you don’t memorize these instantly. With each game you play, you will quickly become familiar with their relative strength.

Consider focusing on the general order: pairs are better than high cards, three-of-a-kinds are better than two-pairs, and so on. The flow will come naturally over time.

The Power of Position at the Table

In poker, position is power. Where you sit relative to the dealer button (which rotates clockwise each hand) significantly impacts your decisions.

Understanding Relative Position

The dealer button determines the order of play. Players to the left of the button act before those to the right. This creates early, middle, and late positions.

• Early Position: These players act first in each betting round. They have the least information about what other players might do.

• Middle Position: These players act after early position but before late position. They have slightly more information.

• Late Position: Acting last or near last gives you a significant advantage. You see what most other players have done before making your decision. This provides valuable insight into the strength of their hands.

Why Late Position is Advantageous

Acting last allows you to:

• Control the size of the pot.
• Bluff more effectively.
• Extract more value when you have a strong hand.
• Avoid tricky situations by folding if the action ahead is too aggressive.

Navigating the Pre-Flop Action

The pre-flop round is the initial betting round before any community cards are dealt. Each player is dealt two private cards (hole cards) and must decide what to do based on these cards and their position.

Here are the actions available:

• Fold: Discard your hand and forfeit any chance of winning the pot.

• Call: Match the current bet.

• Raise: Increase the size of the bet.

• Check: Pass the action to the next player (only possible if there’s no current bet in the round).

• Bet: Make the first bet in a round.

The pre-flop action is critical. It sets the tone for the entire hand.

Making informed decisions here will help you avoid costly mistakes later on. Learn to assess the strength of your starting hand relative to your position.

Starting Strong: Mastering Pre-Flop Strategy in Texas Hold’em

Now that you’re familiar with the foundational aspects of poker, it’s time to delve into pre-flop strategy. This is arguably the most critical phase of the game, where your initial decisions significantly influence your chances of success in later stages. Mastering pre-flop play involves understanding starting hand selection and adapting your approach based on your position at the table.

The Power of Starting Hand Charts

Starting hand charts are indispensable tools, especially for beginners navigating the complexities of Texas Hold’em.

What Are Starting Hand Charts?

Starting hand charts provide a visual guide that ranks the strength of different starting hands in Texas Hold’em. They serve as a quick reference to determine which hands are worth playing and which should be folded before any community cards are dealt.

Think of them as a roadmap, guiding you on which roads to travel and which to avoid.

Why Are They Beneficial?

Using a starting hand chart helps beginners avoid common pitfalls, such as playing too many weak hands. Playing only premium starting hands will help you avoid difficult situations later in the game. They instill discipline and prevent costly mistakes arising from impulsive decisions.

How to Read and Use a Basic Starting Hand Chart

Most charts are organized as a matrix, with rows and columns representing the two cards in your starting hand. The chart will indicate whether a hand is considered playable from a specific position using different color coding.

For example, a hand like Ace-King suited (A-Ks) will typically be marked as a strong hand, while a hand like 7-2 offsuit will usually be flagged as a hand to fold.

The best way to learn is to actively use and understand a starting hand chart.

Examples of Strong Starting Hands

Certain starting hands consistently perform well and should be prioritized. Here are a few examples:

• Pocket Pairs: Hands like A♠ A♣, K♥ K♦, or any other pair give you a head start and the potential for a very strong hand later on.

• Ace-King (AK), Ace-Queen (AQ): These are premium unpaired hands with high potential.

• Suited Connectors: Hands like 7♥ 8♥ can lead to flushes and straights, offering high implied odds.

The Importance of Proper Hand Selection

Selecting the correct starting hands is paramount to avoiding tricky situations in subsequent betting rounds. Playing too many weak or marginal hands puts you at a disadvantage against opponents with stronger holdings. Proper hand selection will often enable you to play more aggressively and confidently, increasing your chances of winning the pot.

Adapting Pre-Flop Strategy Based on Position

Your position at the table significantly influences the range of hands you should play.

Early Position (Under the Gun)

When you are in early position, acting before most other players, it’s crucial to tighten your range. You want to select premium hands as you need to be mindful that many players are still to act behind you.

Middle Position

From middle position, you can expand your range slightly, including some speculative hands, such as suited connectors, along with your premium holdings.

Late Position (Cutoff, Button)

Late position provides the most flexibility. Being on the button (the last to act pre-flop) gives you the advantage of seeing what everyone else has done, allowing you to play a wider range of hands. You can profitably enter the pot with hands you would otherwise fold in earlier positions.

Key Concepts to Elevate Your Game: Pot Odds, Implied Odds, and Bankroll Management

Now that you’re familiar with the foundational aspects of poker, it’s time to explore concepts that separate casual players from those with a strategic edge. Understanding pot odds, implied odds, and bankroll management are vital for making informed decisions and ensuring long-term sustainability in the game. These concepts build upon the basics, taking your poker knowledge to the next level.

Pot Odds: Calculating Your Chances of Winning

Pot odds are fundamental to sound poker decision-making. They represent the ratio of the current pot size to the cost of calling a bet. By understanding pot odds, you can objectively assess whether calling is a +EV (positive expected value) play.

Defining Pot Odds

Put simply, pot odds are the reward you stand to gain compared to the risk you’re taking. For instance, if there’s $100 in the pot and your opponent bets $25, you need to call $25 to potentially win $125 (the original $100 plus your opponent’s $25 bet plus your $25 call). Your pot odds are then $125:$25, which simplifies to 5:1.

A Simple Method for Calculation

To easily calculate pot odds, follow these steps:

1. Determine the total pot size after you call.
2. Determine the cost of your call.
3. Express the ratio of the total pot size to the cost of your call.
4. Simplify the ratio to its lowest terms.

Using Pot Odds to Make Informed Decisions

The key to using pot odds effectively is to compare them to your hand’s equity. Equity is your statistical chance of winning the hand based on the cards you can see and all the possible remaining cards.

If your pot odds are better than your equity, calling is mathematically correct in the long run. For example, if you estimate your hand has a 20% chance of winning, you need pot odds of at least 4:1 to make calling a profitable play. If you have less than 4:1 pot odds, you should fold.

Implied Odds: Planning for the Future

While pot odds consider the current situation, implied odds look to the future, estimating how much you might win on later streets if you hit your hand. This concept is particularly relevant when you have a drawing hand like a flush or straight draw.

Defining Implied Odds

Implied odds are the potential additional money you can expect to win if you complete your draw and your opponent pays you off.

They are not a precise calculation but rather a judgment call based on factors like your opponent’s playing style, stack sizes, and the board texture.

The weaker your pot odds are, the more you need to rely on implied odds to justify a call.

Bankroll Management: Playing Within Your Means

Poker is a game of variance, meaning you can experience losing streaks even when making correct decisions. That’s why proper bankroll management is crucial for long-term success.

Why Bankroll Management Matters

Bankroll management protects you from going broke due to variance. It involves setting aside a specific amount of money for poker and playing at stakes that are appropriate for that amount. Without it, even the best players can find themselves on the sidelines.

Simple Tips for Avoiding High Stakes

A common guideline is to have at least 20-30 buy-ins for the stakes you’re playing. For example, if you’re playing $1/$2 No-Limit Hold’em (where a buy-in is typically $200), you should have a bankroll of at least $4,000 – $6,000.

Never play with money you can’t afford to lose. Playing with scared money leads to poor decisions. Move down in stakes if you experience a significant loss to protect your bankroll.

Understanding Different Poker Playing Styles

Key Concepts to Elevate Your Game: Pot Odds, Implied Odds, and Bankroll Management
Now that you’re familiar with the foundational aspects of poker, it’s time to explore concepts that separate casual players from those with a strategic edge. Understanding pot odds, implied odds, and bankroll management are vital for making informed decisions and ensuring long-term success. Once you internalize these financial considerations, you’re ready to explore how different playing styles can further enhance your capabilities on the felt.

Poker isn’t just about knowing the rules; it’s about understanding and adapting to different approaches. Recognizing and mastering various playing styles is key to exploiting your opponents and maximizing your winnings. Two fundamental concepts to grasp are the Tight/Aggressive (TAG) style and the distinction between Fixed Limit and No-Limit poker.

The Tight/Aggressive (TAG) Approach

The Tight/Aggressive (TAG) style is a foundational strategy often recommended for new and intermediate players. It’s all about discipline and calculated aggression. TAG players are selective with their starting hands, opting to play only the strongest holdings. However, when they do enter a pot, they bet and raise aggressively to build the pot and put pressure on their opponents.

Key Characteristics of TAG Players:

• Selective Hand Selection: TAG players only play strong starting hands. They understand the value of patience and avoid getting involved in pots with weak or marginal holdings.

• Aggressive Betting: When a TAG player enters a pot, they are typically betting for value or to apply pressure. They don’t shy away from raising and re-raising to build the pot or force out weaker hands.

• Position Awareness: TAG players are particularly conscious of their position at the table. They play even tighter from early position and can open up their range slightly from later positions.

• Calculated Risk: TAG players aren’t reckless. They assess the situation carefully before committing chips and are willing to fold if the odds are not in their favor.

Why TAG Works:

The TAG style is effective because it minimizes risk and maximizes value. By playing only strong hands and betting aggressively, TAG players are more likely to win when they get involved in a pot. Their aggression also puts pressure on opponents, forcing them to make mistakes. This approach builds a solid foundation and allows for profitable gameplay over the long run.

Fixed Limit vs. No-Limit: Understanding the Betting Structure

One of the most significant differences in poker comes down to betting structures. The two primary structures are Fixed Limit and No-Limit, and they drastically alter the game’s dynamics.

Fixed Limit Poker

In Fixed Limit poker, the bet sizes are predetermined and fixed. For example, in a $2/$4 Fixed Limit game, bets and raises are limited to $2 in the early rounds and $4 in the later rounds. This fixed structure encourages more players to see more flops since the risk of a large bet is mitigated. Strategy revolves around calculating pot odds and implied odds carefully, as bluffs tend to be less effective when bet sizes are capped.

No-Limit Poker

No-Limit poker, on the other hand, allows players to bet any amount up to their entire stack at any time. This creates a much more dynamic and aggressive game. No-Limit is where big bluffs and bold plays really shine. The ability to bet your entire stack adds a layer of complexity and psychological warfare that is absent in Fixed Limit.

Key Differences Summarized:

Feature	Fixed Limit	No-Limit
Bet Sizes	Predetermined and fixed	Any amount up to your entire stack
Bluffing	Less effective	More effective
Risk	Lower	Higher
Game Dynamics	More passive, strategic	More aggressive, psychological

Which is Right for You?

The choice between Fixed Limit and No-Limit depends on your personal preferences and risk tolerance. Fixed Limit is often considered a good starting point for beginners due to the lower risk. However, many experienced players prefer the excitement and strategic depth of No-Limit.

Ultimately, understanding different playing styles and betting structures is crucial for becoming a well-rounded poker player. By learning to adapt your approach based on the game and your opponents, you’ll be well on your way to success at the poker table.

Responsible Gambling: Staying in Control

Understanding the rules, strategy, and nuances of poker is essential, but it’s equally vital to approach the game responsibly. Let’s explore this together! This section isn’t about dampening the excitement but about ensuring poker remains a source of enjoyment, not a source of stress or financial hardship.

The Cornerstone of Enjoyment: Responsible Gambling

Poker, at its heart, is a game. Like any game involving chance and skill, it carries the potential for both wins and losses. Responsible gambling is the practice of keeping your participation in gambling activities controlled and balanced within your life.

It’s about making informed decisions, understanding the risks, and preventing gambling from negatively impacting your finances, relationships, and overall well-being.

Practical Tips for Maintaining Control

Staying in control of your gambling habits isn’t complicated. It just takes awareness, planning, and discipline. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain a healthy balance:

Set Financial Limits

Before you even sit down at a table – whether online or in person – decide on a fixed budget for your session. Once you’ve reached that limit, stop playing, regardless of whether you’re winning or losing.

This prevents chasing losses and keeps your spending in check.

Time Constraints

Set a timer or allocate a specific amount of time for your poker session. When the time is up, take a break, or stop playing for the day. This prevents you from getting lost in the game and neglecting other important aspects of your life.

Avoid Gambling When Stressed or Emotional

Poker requires clear thinking and calculated decisions. Never gamble when you are feeling stressed, depressed, angry, or otherwise emotionally vulnerable. Your judgment will be impaired, leading to impulsive decisions and potentially larger losses.

Don’t Chase Losses

It’s tempting to try and win back money you’ve lost, but chasing losses often leads to even greater losses. Accept that losses are part of the game, and resist the urge to keep playing in an attempt to recover them.

Treat Poker as Entertainment, Not a Source of Income

Poker can be profitable for some, but it should primarily be viewed as a form of entertainment. Don’t rely on it as a primary source of income or a way to solve financial problems.

Take Regular Breaks

Step away from the table regularly to clear your head. Use these breaks to stretch, grab a snack, or simply do something else to refresh your mind.

Seek Help When Needed

If you feel like your gambling is becoming problematic, don’t hesitate to seek help. There are resources available to provide support and guidance. You are never alone.

Recognizing Warning Signs: Is Gambling Becoming a Problem?

Being aware of the warning signs of problem gambling is essential for early intervention. Here are some common indicators:

• Gambling with money meant for essential expenses (rent, bills, food).
• Lying to others about your gambling activities.
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement.
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling.
• Gambling to escape problems or feelings of sadness or anxiety.
• Borrowing money to gamble.
• Neglecting responsibilities due to gambling.

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it’s crucial to seek help.

Resources for Help

Numerous organizations offer support and resources for problem gambling. These resources are confidential and available to help you regain control:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
• Gamblers Anonymous: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
• National Council on Problem Gambling: https://www.ncpgambling.org/

Remember, responsible gambling is key to enjoying poker as a fun and engaging pastime. By staying in control and understanding the risks, you can ensure that poker remains a source of entertainment and not a source of problems.

Next Steps: Practice and Continued Learning

Responsible gambling: Staying in Control
Understanding the rules, strategy, and nuances of poker is essential, but it’s equally vital to approach the game responsibly. Let’s explore this together! This section isn’t about dampening the excitement but about ensuring poker remains a source of enjoyment, not a source of stress or financial hardship.

Now that you’ve grasped the fundamentals, it’s time to put that knowledge to the test. Reading about poker is one thing, but truly learning comes from experience at the tables.

So, how do you transition from theory to practice, and where can you find the resources to continue honing your skills? Let’s dive in.

The Power of Practice: Learning by Doing

There’s no substitute for experience in poker. You can read countless books and articles, but until you’re actively making decisions under pressure, you won’t truly internalize the concepts.

This means getting hands-on, making mistakes, and learning from them. Each hand you play, each decision you make, will contribute to your understanding and skill. Practice is, without a doubt, the single most effective way to improve.

Remember those starting hand charts? They’re a great guide, but you’ll learn to adapt them based on the specific game, the players at your table, and your own evolving instincts.

Free Online Poker: Your Training Ground

Thankfully, you don’t need to risk real money to gain valuable experience. Countless online platforms offer free poker games. These sites provide a risk-free environment to experiment with different strategies, test your understanding of pot odds, and learn to read your opponents.

Here’s what to look for in a free online poker site:

• Reputable platform: Choose a well-known and trusted site to ensure fair play.
• Variety of games: Look for a site that offers Texas Hold’em, as well as other poker variants if you’re interested in exploring.
• User-friendly interface: A clear and intuitive interface will make your learning experience more enjoyable.
• Active player base: A larger player base means more available games and a wider range of opponents to play against.

Some popular options include:

• PokerStars Play: A free-to-play version of the popular PokerStars platform.
• World Series of Poker (WSOP) Social Poker: Offers a social and engaging poker experience.
• Zynga Poker: A long-standing and widely popular free poker app.

Remember, the goal is to learn and improve, not to win at all costs. Use these free games as a training ground to develop your skills and build your confidence.

Continued Learning: Expanding Your Poker Knowledge

The world of poker is vast and complex. Even experienced players are constantly learning and adapting their strategies.

To take your game to the next level, consider exploring these resources:

• Books: Classic poker books like "Harrington on Hold ’em" and "The Theory of Poker" offer in-depth analysis of strategy and game theory.
• Websites and Forums: Websites like Two Plus Two and Upswing Poker offer a wealth of articles, videos, and forum discussions.
• YouTube Channels: Many poker pros and coaches offer free strategy videos on YouTube. Channels like Upswing Poker and Jonathan Little are great resources.
• Poker Training Sites: For more structured learning, consider subscribing to a poker training site like Run It Once or Solve For Why. These sites offer comprehensive courses and personalized coaching.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different learning methods to find what works best for you. The key is to stay curious, keep learning, and never stop refining your game.

Building a Solid Foundation

While complex strategies exist, the initial goal is to consistently execute the basics well. Focus on these key elements:

• Solid starting hand selection: Sticking to strong starting hands will help you avoid many tricky situations.
• Aggressive play when appropriate: Don’t be afraid to bet and raise when you have a strong hand.
• Careful observation: Pay attention to your opponents’ betting patterns and tendencies.
• Bankroll management: Even in free games, practice managing your virtual bankroll responsibly.

By focusing on these fundamentals, you’ll build a solid foundation for future success. Remember that learning poker is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process, embrace the challenges, and never stop striving to improve.

So, there you have it – a basic roadmap to navigating the starting hands in poker. Remember, this is just the beginning. As you play more, you’ll develop a feel for which starting hands in poker work best in different situations. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little and, most importantly, have fun at the table!