Poker

A quick and fast way to learn about the rules of poker is via the Youtube link below.

Now that you know the basic rules, it is important to know the relative hand strength

The 'o" in the chart represents off-suite. i.e unsuited cards. Not all cards dealt in poker are made alike. The most powerful hands being Aces and the worst being 72o. This does not mean that you only play 'Premium hands' only. Doing so would mean playing your hands as if it were faced up. For example, if I only play pocket Aces exclusively, any time I try to bet, my opponents will fold unless they have a stronger hand that beats Aces on the Flop. However, it does mean that we play more Premium hands when we are early in position and a wider range of hands in later position. Positioning is important in poker because being LATER to view all the actions gives you information advantage of what your opponents are thinking before you act. Consider the opposite where you have to act first. When you have to act first, even if you are strong or weak, you don't know the relative strength of your opponent. If he/she where weak, betting would scare them immediately. If he/she were strong, you would prefer to check-raise them. However, because you are first to act, you are unable to know if betting or checking is optimal from a profit making standpoint.

different positions affects the hand range to play

Here is a chart on a 10% hand range which is a good range for UTG to play

The later the position the wider you can play. If you are at the button, the last position, even if you are a beginner, I suggest to play up to the top 35% of all poker hands you can open with if everyone else folds towards you. Call a raise with a wider opening than you would otherwise do in early position as well

That is about it. A lot of times Poker is a game of ranges and balancing your range (pretty much like rock paper scissors where you don't just put rock all the time). Its a game of psychology, game theory, logic and expectations all built into a social setting. I hope these tips helps get you on the way.

Click to go Home