Everyone who loves poker also loves to win. While all card games are games of chance, not all cards games are only games of chance. In terms of Texas Hold’em, there are some elements of skill and strategy that considerably improve a player’s game, although a lucky draw of cards helps, too.



The most important move in Texas Hold’em is deciding whether or not to play a starting hand. In Texas Hold’em, experts agree that a tight and aggressive strategy is best. In spite of this information, many poker players play too many hands. The closer you are to the dealer, the stronger your hand must be because there are more players acting after you who can raise or re-raise the pot. It is important to be patient and wait for the right hand and the right time to play.









In early positions, wait for really high cards and pocket pairs. In middle positions, wait for high straight possibilities and moderately high pocket pairs. In late position, look for moderate to high straight possibilities and lower pocket pairs. Many players will play any two suited cards from any position or an Ace with any small kicker. These hands are mistakes and will only cost money.



Don’t let the blinds influence your betting strategy. Once you post the blinds, the money no longer belongs to you. You shouldn’t bet on marginal hands even if you have posted further blinds.



Choosing whether or not to play a hand, after you have seen the flop, is your second biggest decision. If you continue mistakenly, it can be very costly to you. After the flop, your hand is 71 per cent complete. If you do not have the top pair, a straight or flush, then you should fold.



If you are in first position after the turn and have the best hand, betting is the best policy. If another player has a chance to bet before you and you don’t have the best hand, fold. Too much money is lost by players who hope to catch a miracle card on the river.



When the river is revealed, there are two things to avoid. Don’t call a losing bet or fold. Both will cost you money. Obviously, folding is the more costly of the two options. If there is a slight chance you have the winning hand, you should call.



At all times, you should attempt to read the board. It is easy to determine the best possible five card hand with three community cards displayed. This will help you decide how well your hand compares to your opponents’ hands. Watch out for two things: when there are three suited cards on the board, indicating that someone can make a flush and a player raises when this third suited card is turned over, and when there is a pair on the board and a player can make four of a kind or a full house.



Even if you have folded, pay close attention to the game. You will want to know your opponents’ tells and strategies.



The final winning poker tip is to never show your hand if you don’t have to. You don’t want to give away anything about yourself or your strategy by revealing your cards.

By: Cyman Harrison -

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Cyman Harrison writes for several Texas Holdem websites including www.PokerTipsandStrategies.com which provides resources to help poker players improve their skills. Do you want to WIN more at Texas Holdem? Get your FREE Poker Guide at: www.holdemadvancedstrategy.com/texas-holdem.html