For those that do not know the basics, here are the ways the hands and cards are ranked in poker.
Number of cards in the deck: 52.
Number of suits: 4 (Hearts, Spades, Diamonds, Clubs)
Number of cards in each suit: 13 (In order of rank; Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2)
Number of cards in a poker hand: 5 (even in games where you are dealt more than 5 cards, only 5 cards count as your poker hand.)
Rank of poker hands from highest to lowest:
1. Royal Flush; (ace, king, queen, jack, ten, all the same suit.)
2. Straight Flush; (5 cards in sequence of the same suit. see "straight" below for explanation of in sequence) (The lowest ranking straight flush is the wheel-flush, ace, 2, 3, 4, 5. 5 is considered the top card, not the ace.) (if two players have a straight flush, the one with the higher top card wins.)
3. Four of a kind; 4 Kings, Queens or other cards. (Of course the higher ranked 4 of a kind wins, such as 4 kings beats 4 queens)
4. Full House; This consists of 3 of a kind, (see below) and a pair all in one hand. (example; you have 3 fours and 2 kings. That would be fours over kings, while having 3 kings and 2 fours would be kings over fours.) (If 2 players each have a full house, the better three-of-a-kind part of the hand wins. example; you have 3 eights and two aces, your opponent has 3 nines and 2 twos. Your opponent wins. Their nines beat your eights.)
5. Flush; 5 cards of any rank, but all the same suit. (If 2 players each have a flush, the flush with the highest top card wins, if that is a tie, then whoever has the highest second card wins, if that is a tie, you compare the third, fourth, fifth card, etc.)
6. Straight; 5 cards in sequence. (example; 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 is a 7-high straight. If you opponent has 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, they have an 8-high straight and they win.)
7. Three of a Kind; (Trips) 3 cards of the same rank. (example; 3 sevens, 3 eights, 3 kings. if 2 players have 3-of-a-kind, the highest ranking cards wins the hand)
8. Two Pairs; A Pair is 2 cards of the same rank. 2 pair means you have 2 sets of 2 cards of the same rank. (If 2 players each have 2 pair, the player with the highest top pair wins. Kings and twos would beat queens and jacks.)
9. Pair; 2 cards of equal rank. (If 2 players each have a pair, the highest ranking pair wins. If 2 players each have the exact same pair, then out of the 3 remaining cards in your hand the highest card is your "kicker". The highest kicker wins. If still tied, you go to the next highest kicker, etc.)
10. High Card; Where no one has a pair or above, you compare hands like this. The highest card in your hand vs the highest card in opponents hands. If that is a tie, then you compare the next highest card, then the next if still tied and so on. (King, Queen, 10, 6, 2, would beat King, Queen, 10, 5, 4. It would have been a tie until the fourth card compared and the first hand has a 6 to their opponent's 5.)
## End of Article
Full tilt poker
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Staying Focused At Internet Poker
No matter which poker book you read or which top pro advises you, there is a resounding communal opinion that when you are playing poker, actually watching the play and concentrating on the action at hand is a key part of winning.
While card rooms have a number of elements that could take away from the focus of the players, such as sporting events on TV or the appearance of attractive drink servers, there are relatively few distractions possible compared to what many online players face at home. Family members and friends about the house are usually not nearly as concerned about the game and can often be disrupting with conversation. Events like dinner, unexpected guests and phone calls can all prove to be very damaging to your poker results.
Even when the household is otherwise empty, we are often tempted to use poker playing time to simultaneously catch up on e-mail, reading or household chores. Most of us live a fairly fast-paced lifestyle which does not allows for as nearly as much free time as we would like. In order to compensate for our lack of fun time we often start multi-tasking and combining activities. While watching TV and folding the laundry may not be too detrimental to your daily living, playing poker and doing household chores can be devastating! More than a few loosing sessions have occurred in the matter of moments leading from a few missed bets or unwise calls that could have been avoided.
It's hard enough to consistently beat the game of poker even when all the other circumstances are favorable (adequate bank roll, playing time, weak opponents), so any distractions, no matter how small, can prove to be the difference between winning and losing. It takes a lot discipline to become a winning player and a good players focus needs to be taken further than simply playing patient and folding weak hands.
## End of Article
While card rooms have a number of elements that could take away from the focus of the players, such as sporting events on TV or the appearance of attractive drink servers, there are relatively few distractions possible compared to what many online players face at home. Family members and friends about the house are usually not nearly as concerned about the game and can often be disrupting with conversation. Events like dinner, unexpected guests and phone calls can all prove to be very damaging to your poker results.
Even when the household is otherwise empty, we are often tempted to use poker playing time to simultaneously catch up on e-mail, reading or household chores. Most of us live a fairly fast-paced lifestyle which does not allows for as nearly as much free time as we would like. In order to compensate for our lack of fun time we often start multi-tasking and combining activities. While watching TV and folding the laundry may not be too detrimental to your daily living, playing poker and doing household chores can be devastating! More than a few loosing sessions have occurred in the matter of moments leading from a few missed bets or unwise calls that could have been avoided.
It's hard enough to consistently beat the game of poker even when all the other circumstances are favorable (adequate bank roll, playing time, weak opponents), so any distractions, no matter how small, can prove to be the difference between winning and losing. It takes a lot discipline to become a winning player and a good players focus needs to be taken further than simply playing patient and folding weak hands.
## End of Article
Friday, October 5, 2007
Playing Poker Online - Tips And Traps
Wow - You've see it on TV. The glamour, the glitz, THE CASH!!! And you may have noticed that one of the key skills in any poker game is observation. In a live game there are relatively few distractions and you get to watch the reactions and body language of your opponents.
Playing online is a whole different ball game. There's the TV, the family, the dog, the phone, in fact it seems like the whole world wants your attention. This is not good for your game and ultimately your poker earnings. Oops you just folded that AA when you wanted to raise. Damn now you called an all-in bet with junk and you meant to fold. Don't laugh, I've done both of these and it's cost me quite a few dollars!!
So now you're in the Den, it's quiet and at last you can concentrate. Ah, let's just reply to these emails, do that search for a new BBQ and review the excellent poker sites for the best bonus deals. Hey what do you mean I'm sitting out?? Multi-tasking the modern day buzz word. And a total killer for your poker profits.
It's a tough enough game to beat when you're fully concentrating, on top of your game and playing the best that you can. So why handicap yourself by not giving it the attention it deserves. And have fun while you're doing it. Chat and Smack Talk while you play, you may send a player on tilt! But don't forget to concentrate, it takes a lot of focus and discipline, especially when the game is slow and you're just not getting any cards. Don't be tempted to push for some action - you'll lose more money quicker than that!
The best way to split your attention is to play 2 or even 3 tables at a time. This guarantees that you can't focus your attention on any particular table. If you must do this, (and I'm certainly guilty of it!!), play a tournament and a ring game, or 2 tournaments. Try and avoid playing multiple ring games, it's just not profitable in the long run unless you're Howard Leaderer or Phil Ivey.
Pick a card room and a table that suit how you play. At the lower limits that's easier said than done, but by OBSERVING what's going on, you'll get a 'feel' for the table after a few hands and for little or no expense, depending on whether you posted and went through the blinds or not. If it doesn't suit you, get up and find another table. It'll be far cheaper in the long run than trying to force the table you're on. Know when to cut and run and when to stay.
As the play progresses you'll notice players leaving and joining. Pay extra attention here as the fish you were milking has left and a tight aggressive player is now in their place. This could affect the complexion of the whole table and make it unprofitable to continue.
Play tight, aggressive and sensibly and your bank roll will grow over time - and maybe I'll see you at the WSOP!!
## End of Article
Playing online is a whole different ball game. There's the TV, the family, the dog, the phone, in fact it seems like the whole world wants your attention. This is not good for your game and ultimately your poker earnings. Oops you just folded that AA when you wanted to raise. Damn now you called an all-in bet with junk and you meant to fold. Don't laugh, I've done both of these and it's cost me quite a few dollars!!
So now you're in the Den, it's quiet and at last you can concentrate. Ah, let's just reply to these emails, do that search for a new BBQ and review the excellent poker sites for the best bonus deals. Hey what do you mean I'm sitting out?? Multi-tasking the modern day buzz word. And a total killer for your poker profits.
It's a tough enough game to beat when you're fully concentrating, on top of your game and playing the best that you can. So why handicap yourself by not giving it the attention it deserves. And have fun while you're doing it. Chat and Smack Talk while you play, you may send a player on tilt! But don't forget to concentrate, it takes a lot of focus and discipline, especially when the game is slow and you're just not getting any cards. Don't be tempted to push for some action - you'll lose more money quicker than that!
The best way to split your attention is to play 2 or even 3 tables at a time. This guarantees that you can't focus your attention on any particular table. If you must do this, (and I'm certainly guilty of it!!), play a tournament and a ring game, or 2 tournaments. Try and avoid playing multiple ring games, it's just not profitable in the long run unless you're Howard Leaderer or Phil Ivey.
Pick a card room and a table that suit how you play. At the lower limits that's easier said than done, but by OBSERVING what's going on, you'll get a 'feel' for the table after a few hands and for little or no expense, depending on whether you posted and went through the blinds or not. If it doesn't suit you, get up and find another table. It'll be far cheaper in the long run than trying to force the table you're on. Know when to cut and run and when to stay.
As the play progresses you'll notice players leaving and joining. Pay extra attention here as the fish you were milking has left and a tight aggressive player is now in their place. This could affect the complexion of the whole table and make it unprofitable to continue.
Play tight, aggressive and sensibly and your bank roll will grow over time - and maybe I'll see you at the WSOP!!
## End of Article
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Ten Online Poker Winning Tips
Following are ten online poker winning tips. While they do not guarantee that you will win every single poker game they serve as a kind of checklist you may rely on.
- Playing too many hands
Nearly all beginners play way too many starting hands, most top players typically play between 20-30% of their starting hands. It is a lot better to concentrate on higher value starting hands and help remove the luck element of the game.
- Know when to hold'em, and know when to fold'em
This is the biggest tip you will get, learn how to fold a hand, and do not be a fisherman, i.e. making a call, thinking you are going to get what you want. Many beginners keep betting regardless of the board or what their opponent's actions are suggesting. Pros frequently say it is the hands you can lay down that are often the key to profitable play.
- Choose less skillful opponents
Sounds fairly obvious, but you should play at betting limits where you can beat the majority of players. Move down the limits if you are having difficulties winning cash. It is best to leave the ego at the door when playing poker.
- Keep an eye on your opponent's habits
Especially, when you are not in the hand. The best time to try and read other players, is when you are not emotionally invested in a hand, you can make more prudent observations this way. Watch your opponents bet, how much they bet and in what position are they betting. Learning how your opponents play is one of the keys to success.
- Betting to gain knowledge
To bet should not mean you always have the best hand. Pro players use various betting techniques to try to gain information. For example, a defensive bet is one that you can use early on to avoid calling a bigger future bet. A re-raise may be used to probe the credibility of your opponent's hand.
- Learn to put your opponents on a hand
Once you have mastered Tips 4 & 5, try and put your knowledge to work. Try being in your opponent's shoes, and learn to put them on a hand. Ask questions like "Why did he re-raise me that amount?", and "Why did he only call in the previous betting round?".
- Learn how to bluff and semi-bluff
..at the right times against the right players, and at the right frequency. Bluffing is often a misunderstood concept, and many beginners dismay most pros use bluffs quite sparingly. A bluff can be very effective when used rarely, and where there is a seemingly low risk of being called by your opponent.
- Changing Gears
Unpredictability is a strength in poker. Most pros can figure out a really loose player by waiting for the nuts (top hand) and being patient. However, an even easier opponent is a tight player or "rock", who plays only the Group 1 type hands. You need to change your game up, and let them see that you can run bluffs, and can play some lower value starting hands. These changes should be subtle and should not dramatically affect the flop rate we mentioned in Tip #1.
- Understand player position
..and how it is critical. Not only is it important to play strong hands, it is even more important in what position you play them. For example, the ideal position is the Button (the Dealer), as you are last to act, and have the advantage of watching all of the betting action before you need to make a decision. eg. If the action before you consists of a bet, a raise, and a re-raise, and you hold a pair of Tens, you might think that folding is the right decision.
- Read books and take notes
Players can always learn more if they want to be a better poker player. Keep notes on what works and does not work for you, and eventually you will come up with a style of play that works uniquely for you and improves your game.
## End of Article
- Playing too many hands
Nearly all beginners play way too many starting hands, most top players typically play between 20-30% of their starting hands. It is a lot better to concentrate on higher value starting hands and help remove the luck element of the game.
- Know when to hold'em, and know when to fold'em
This is the biggest tip you will get, learn how to fold a hand, and do not be a fisherman, i.e. making a call, thinking you are going to get what you want. Many beginners keep betting regardless of the board or what their opponent's actions are suggesting. Pros frequently say it is the hands you can lay down that are often the key to profitable play.
- Choose less skillful opponents
Sounds fairly obvious, but you should play at betting limits where you can beat the majority of players. Move down the limits if you are having difficulties winning cash. It is best to leave the ego at the door when playing poker.
- Keep an eye on your opponent's habits
Especially, when you are not in the hand. The best time to try and read other players, is when you are not emotionally invested in a hand, you can make more prudent observations this way. Watch your opponents bet, how much they bet and in what position are they betting. Learning how your opponents play is one of the keys to success.
- Betting to gain knowledge
To bet should not mean you always have the best hand. Pro players use various betting techniques to try to gain information. For example, a defensive bet is one that you can use early on to avoid calling a bigger future bet. A re-raise may be used to probe the credibility of your opponent's hand.
- Learn to put your opponents on a hand
Once you have mastered Tips 4 & 5, try and put your knowledge to work. Try being in your opponent's shoes, and learn to put them on a hand. Ask questions like "Why did he re-raise me that amount?", and "Why did he only call in the previous betting round?".
- Learn how to bluff and semi-bluff
..at the right times against the right players, and at the right frequency. Bluffing is often a misunderstood concept, and many beginners dismay most pros use bluffs quite sparingly. A bluff can be very effective when used rarely, and where there is a seemingly low risk of being called by your opponent.
- Changing Gears
Unpredictability is a strength in poker. Most pros can figure out a really loose player by waiting for the nuts (top hand) and being patient. However, an even easier opponent is a tight player or "rock", who plays only the Group 1 type hands. You need to change your game up, and let them see that you can run bluffs, and can play some lower value starting hands. These changes should be subtle and should not dramatically affect the flop rate we mentioned in Tip #1.
- Understand player position
..and how it is critical. Not only is it important to play strong hands, it is even more important in what position you play them. For example, the ideal position is the Button (the Dealer), as you are last to act, and have the advantage of watching all of the betting action before you need to make a decision. eg. If the action before you consists of a bet, a raise, and a re-raise, and you hold a pair of Tens, you might think that folding is the right decision.
- Read books and take notes
Players can always learn more if they want to be a better poker player. Keep notes on what works and does not work for you, and eventually you will come up with a style of play that works uniquely for you and improves your game.
## End of Article
Internet Poker Pre-Action Buttons
One of the key features that speeds up the poker action when playing online is the 'pre-action' buttons. These are playing options that you can choose with a click designed for your poker hand to automatically check, bet, call or fold instantly when it becomes your turn to act.
Many experts will argue against their use, maintaining that the situation is rare that a player should know what he intends to do well ahead of time without knowing the exact intent of all the players to act before of him. An example might be a player that is dealt a pair of Jacks while sitting in late position during almost any type of Holdem game. It is almost impossible to imagine many situations where it is correct to automatically raise or call with those Jacks no matter what the action is ahead of you. The hand plays itself much better in relation to the action. In many scenarios a raise is better when facing just one limper ahead of you, and calling is the often the better move when already facing raises (especially from tight players).
Despite our inability to properly assess which poker action to take beforehand on many good or marginal poker hands, even beginner players can recognize some decisions to immediately fold bad cards regardless of the action that has happened before them. An example of this scenario would be getting dealt a hand like 8s-3c in middle position while playing a relatively tough limit Holdem game. Even before the cards are dealt most players will have a certain standard of hand needed to open the pot or be the first to limp in, and this hand usually falls below that standard. If any players are calling or raising in early position, then it becomes even more certain that it would be a mistake to play this hand. It seems that using the 'check/fold' button wouldn't be much of a mistake when dealt some of these rag hands.
It's interesting to note that making a tiny bet at a pot in online tournaments (normally not strategically correct) has now been turned into a tool to get the players using the 'auto-fold' button to toss their hands without possibility of a free miracle card. Players using the auto-check/fold feature consistently are in fact exposing themselves to a uniquely possible online poker tell, albeit a small one.
The increased resulting game speed is by far the most compelling reason for players to use the pre-action buttons. Many will argue that even if a rare strategic poker betting mistake was made by using these buttons, the higher number of hands dealt per hour more than compensates good players financially and helps all players in way of enjoyment of the game. The fast paced poker action that Holdem in conjunction with these action buttons and the poker software has provided remains one of the most exciting and appealing aspect of playing online.
## End of Article
Many experts will argue against their use, maintaining that the situation is rare that a player should know what he intends to do well ahead of time without knowing the exact intent of all the players to act before of him. An example might be a player that is dealt a pair of Jacks while sitting in late position during almost any type of Holdem game. It is almost impossible to imagine many situations where it is correct to automatically raise or call with those Jacks no matter what the action is ahead of you. The hand plays itself much better in relation to the action. In many scenarios a raise is better when facing just one limper ahead of you, and calling is the often the better move when already facing raises (especially from tight players).
Despite our inability to properly assess which poker action to take beforehand on many good or marginal poker hands, even beginner players can recognize some decisions to immediately fold bad cards regardless of the action that has happened before them. An example of this scenario would be getting dealt a hand like 8s-3c in middle position while playing a relatively tough limit Holdem game. Even before the cards are dealt most players will have a certain standard of hand needed to open the pot or be the first to limp in, and this hand usually falls below that standard. If any players are calling or raising in early position, then it becomes even more certain that it would be a mistake to play this hand. It seems that using the 'check/fold' button wouldn't be much of a mistake when dealt some of these rag hands.
It's interesting to note that making a tiny bet at a pot in online tournaments (normally not strategically correct) has now been turned into a tool to get the players using the 'auto-fold' button to toss their hands without possibility of a free miracle card. Players using the auto-check/fold feature consistently are in fact exposing themselves to a uniquely possible online poker tell, albeit a small one.
The increased resulting game speed is by far the most compelling reason for players to use the pre-action buttons. Many will argue that even if a rare strategic poker betting mistake was made by using these buttons, the higher number of hands dealt per hour more than compensates good players financially and helps all players in way of enjoyment of the game. The fast paced poker action that Holdem in conjunction with these action buttons and the poker software has provided remains one of the most exciting and appealing aspect of playing online.
## End of Article
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Using An Poker Odds Calculator
As more and more people are now on the Internet, more people are turning to online poker rooms to help improve their games. Online rooms also provide an opportunity to play with a wider range of people from all around the globe. One of the advantages of being able to play online is that you can use an odds calculator to calculate your odds, and hopefully improve your game.
Odds calculators are said to be a crucial way of coming out on top when playing poker. They can be your greatest assets when you are merely playing for fun. While you are doing this, you are learning valuable information that can help you should you decide to play for actual money in the future.
An odds calculator can help sharpen your skills. First, understand your starting hand strength. One of the biggest mistakes made by card players is playing too many hands. One common thought of many poker players, one that has probably occurred to many pros at one time or another, is that it is worth calling the flop even with bad cards, because something good may still come out of it. The problem with the line of thought is that it can cause you to lose big in the long run because of the odds. Although you might make a great hand in one of every 20 flops, the other 19 hands will cause you to lose more than you win. When you are playing for fun this may not seem as important because a lot is not at stake; however, when money is involved, it quickly becomes important.
With the right odds calculator, you can calculate just how strong or weak your starting hand actually is based on a percentage, as well as show you the appropriate "Sklansky Starting Hand Group". This means that you will immediately know just how good your hand actually is, as soon as the cards come out.
Though it isn't necessary to use an odds calculator to help you understand how good those hands are, it may help you learn the different hand strengths and what they mean. It will help you clear up any possible confusion or resolve any mistakes or misconceptions that are typically made.
Here you'll know the exact hand strength right away and can make a more educated translation which will equal a more advantageous decision in the long run before the flop.
An odds calculator can also help you know your chance of hitting and out. Outs are cards that will help you improve your existing hand, so this is important to your game. The odds calculator will show you how many outs you have at any given time, and also give you the percentage chance you have of getting them. So, whether you are just playing for fun, or working up to playing for money, you might consider using an odds calculator. It may help you improve your game.
## End of Article
Odds calculators are said to be a crucial way of coming out on top when playing poker. They can be your greatest assets when you are merely playing for fun. While you are doing this, you are learning valuable information that can help you should you decide to play for actual money in the future.
An odds calculator can help sharpen your skills. First, understand your starting hand strength. One of the biggest mistakes made by card players is playing too many hands. One common thought of many poker players, one that has probably occurred to many pros at one time or another, is that it is worth calling the flop even with bad cards, because something good may still come out of it. The problem with the line of thought is that it can cause you to lose big in the long run because of the odds. Although you might make a great hand in one of every 20 flops, the other 19 hands will cause you to lose more than you win. When you are playing for fun this may not seem as important because a lot is not at stake; however, when money is involved, it quickly becomes important.
With the right odds calculator, you can calculate just how strong or weak your starting hand actually is based on a percentage, as well as show you the appropriate "Sklansky Starting Hand Group". This means that you will immediately know just how good your hand actually is, as soon as the cards come out.
Though it isn't necessary to use an odds calculator to help you understand how good those hands are, it may help you learn the different hand strengths and what they mean. It will help you clear up any possible confusion or resolve any mistakes or misconceptions that are typically made.
Here you'll know the exact hand strength right away and can make a more educated translation which will equal a more advantageous decision in the long run before the flop.
An odds calculator can also help you know your chance of hitting and out. Outs are cards that will help you improve your existing hand, so this is important to your game. The odds calculator will show you how many outs you have at any given time, and also give you the percentage chance you have of getting them. So, whether you are just playing for fun, or working up to playing for money, you might consider using an odds calculator. It may help you improve your game.
## End of Article
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Understanding Bad Poker Starting Hands
Though poker is predominantly a game of chance, there is quite a bit of skill that is associated with your becoming a good player. Knowing what action to take and precisely when to take it can be crucial to your winning or losing the game.
Also being able to recognize the habits and gestures of your opponents, which are commonly referred to as poker tells, will help you decide which hands you should and should not play. It is, however, important to remember that since poker is primarily a game of chance, your game is only as good as your hand, so if your hand is bad and you are unable to successfully bluff your opponents, or even if your hand is just bad, you are not likely to be the one left standing at the end of the game.
Below is a list of the top worst starting hands In Texas Hold'em poker.
Texas Hold'em is fast becoming one of the most popular poker variants in casinos, and in private games as well. Your starting hand can affect your entire game, and how you play it can be very important.
Since some of these hands are considered bad in the same way, and will lose at about the same rate, they can be considered ties, even when one is a slightly better hand.
2-7. 7-2 off suit is considered the worst hand in Texas Hold'em poker. They are the lowest two cards you can have that can't make a straight. Even though there are four cards between 2 and 7, even if they are suited, they will cause you to have a very low flush and if either pairs, the hand is extremely low.
Because it is the worst, some players will play it for fun in an online game. Here, it is known as "the hammer".
2-8. This poses the same basic problem as above, only this time, you have an eight instead of a seven as the high card. Suited or not, this is considered a "fold'em Hold'emm".
3-8 and 3-7. This is considered to be a tie. The three enables this hand to beat the two above it, but you still can't make a straight. You have the same problem with the 3-7 hand.
2-6. Though you might be lucky enough to have a flop of 3, 4, and 5, thereby giving you a straight, another player with a 6-7 will have a higher straight. If you have a flush, it is likely someone will have a higher one. Your odds are just lower with this hand.
2-9, 3-9, and 4-9. These, too are considered to be a tie. The only thing these hands have over the ones listed above is the nine. Even if the nine pairs, you'll have a middle pair that could still be beat by another player holding pocket tens, jacks, queens, kings, or aces. No straights can fill the gap between these cards.
## End of Article
Also being able to recognize the habits and gestures of your opponents, which are commonly referred to as poker tells, will help you decide which hands you should and should not play. It is, however, important to remember that since poker is primarily a game of chance, your game is only as good as your hand, so if your hand is bad and you are unable to successfully bluff your opponents, or even if your hand is just bad, you are not likely to be the one left standing at the end of the game.
Below is a list of the top worst starting hands In Texas Hold'em poker.
Texas Hold'em is fast becoming one of the most popular poker variants in casinos, and in private games as well. Your starting hand can affect your entire game, and how you play it can be very important.
Since some of these hands are considered bad in the same way, and will lose at about the same rate, they can be considered ties, even when one is a slightly better hand.
2-7. 7-2 off suit is considered the worst hand in Texas Hold'em poker. They are the lowest two cards you can have that can't make a straight. Even though there are four cards between 2 and 7, even if they are suited, they will cause you to have a very low flush and if either pairs, the hand is extremely low.
Because it is the worst, some players will play it for fun in an online game. Here, it is known as "the hammer".
2-8. This poses the same basic problem as above, only this time, you have an eight instead of a seven as the high card. Suited or not, this is considered a "fold'em Hold'emm".
3-8 and 3-7. This is considered to be a tie. The three enables this hand to beat the two above it, but you still can't make a straight. You have the same problem with the 3-7 hand.
2-6. Though you might be lucky enough to have a flop of 3, 4, and 5, thereby giving you a straight, another player with a 6-7 will have a higher straight. If you have a flush, it is likely someone will have a higher one. Your odds are just lower with this hand.
2-9, 3-9, and 4-9. These, too are considered to be a tie. The only thing these hands have over the ones listed above is the nine. Even if the nine pairs, you'll have a middle pair that could still be beat by another player holding pocket tens, jacks, queens, kings, or aces. No straights can fill the gap between these cards.
## End of Article
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