Poker School
How to play the right cards at the right time
The basic idea of poker is to play the strongest hands in early position, good hands in mid-position and a few more hands in the late (aka strongest) position.
Over time, you'll naturally want to shake things up a bit. For now, stick with this and you'll never find yourself in trouble holding 7-2 off-suit.
Hole cards |
Late | Middle | Early/Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Ace | Re-raise | Raise | Raise |
| Ace King | Re-raise | Raise | Raise |
| Ace Queen | Re-raise | Raise | Raise |
| Ace Jack | Play | Play | Check/Fold |
| Ace Ten | Play | Suited | Check/Fold |
| Ace Nine | Suited | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
| Ace Two | Suited | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
| King King | Re-raise | Raise | Raise |
| King Queen | Re-raise | Play | Check/Fold |
| King Jack | Play | Suited | Check/Fold |
| King Ten | Play | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
| King Nine | Play | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
| Queen Queen | Re-raise | Raise | Raise |
| Queen Jack | Play | Suited | Check/Fold |
| Queen Ten | Play | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
| Queen Nine | Play | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
| Jack Jack | Re-raise | Raise | Play |
| Jack Ten | Re-raise | Suited | Check/Fold |
| Ten Ten | Re-raise | Play | Play |
| Ten Nine | Suited | Suited | Check/Fold |
| Nine Nine | Play | Play | Check/Fold |
| Seven Seven | Play | Play | Check/Fold |
| Six Six | Play | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
| Two Two | Play | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
Re-raise
Re-raise
You're in a strong position here, so go for it. This is your chance to take control.
Raise
Raise
You've got good cards in a good position. see if you can make them count with a solid and confident raise.
Play
Play
Play these cards, but watch out - your opponents' may be stronger. If people are raising in front of you, you may have to fold.
Suited
Suited
Only play these cards if they're the same suit.
Check/Fold
Check/Fold
If you have the opportunity to see the flop for free, check, if not fold your hand.
Table positions
Examples
A
Player A is in an early position and has been dealt A-K suited. Player A should raise to test the resolve of the other players at the table.
B
Player A is in a middle position and has been dealt A-5. All other players check, Player A checks also, but a player in the late position, raises. Player A should fold.
C
Player A is in a late position and has been dealt A-A. Player A should raise or re-raise to dictate the terms of the betting pre-flop.
Suited connectors
Includes hands like 8-7 suited or Q-J suited.
These have the potential to make both straights and flushes, but can get you into trouble. Fold if the flop isn't kind.