Holdem Strategy

Holdem Strategy – 4 Holdem Strategy tips to help you

Even though Holdem is a fairly simple game, it takes an incredible amount of skill observation and intuition to be amongst the best. For individuals interested in improving their games we will discuss a number of strategies in this article that if implemented, can be quite helpful. It is important to note that while an overarching strategy or approach to the game is generally the best way to approach the game, there always needs to be a certain amount of flexibility. Individuals will need to be able to improvise and make adjustments when necessary. Individuals that have spent any length of time playing poker will understand that there are varying and sometimes competing strategies and/or systems available, all of them promising to be the best. We try to steer clear of suggesting that there is only one way to play Holdem. Instead, in this article, we will be offering some general guidelines. Just about everything written here can be adjusted so that it better fits a particular player’s temperament, philosophy and/or style of play.

Holdem Strategy #1: Understand the basics
Before implementing fancy systems, it is vital that players understand the basics. This should of course go without saying. However, sometimes people forget to focus on the fundamentals. They often get so caught up with the latest and greatest, can’t miss systems that they overlook what is often considered the rudimentary things. For example, one’s hole cards will generally make or break them. They are the primary advantage or disadvantage that a person enjoys over their competition. They will also signal to the player whether or not they should stay in the game and risk losing money or fold early. Smart players learn to quickly exit a game when they have little chance of actually winning. Staying longer then one should, will drain a player’s bankroll at warp speed. The hole cards will tip players off to what move(s) they need to make next.

As important as the hole cards are, the community cards are equally so, not only for each individual player but for their competition as well. Players will need to figure out how these cards can give them the best possible hand, but also what they could mean for their competitors. Players can’t be single minded. They must be constantly be considering possible scenarios for themselves and the other people at the table.

Holdem Strategy #2: Knowing when one has a good hand
Being able to tell the difference between a good and/or promising hand and a bad one will be very important for Hold’em players. Being able to quickly assess the quality of ones hand will be the difference between habitually staying in a game longer then one should and folding and protecting ones bankroll. To determine whether or not a hand is a good one, several considerations will need to be made. They include how many people are playing and the cards themselves. As a general rule, if the hole cards a person are dealt are not pairs and are lower then 10s, a player should fold prior to the flop. For some individuals this would be considered playing a bit loose. Those that prefer to play tighter may fold if one of their two hole cards has a value less then 10. How one chooses to play this will be dependent upon a person’s own risk level. Individuals that have a greater tolerance for risk may decide to stay in a game if their cards are close to 10 and in the same suit, hoping for a flush or straight.

Holdem Strategy #3: Understanding the virtue of patience
This may sound fundamental. That’s because it is. However, this does not take away from its importance. Good players are patient, plain and simple. They are able to sit through bad hands, fold and watch others compete until they get a hand that provides them with a real shot at winning. Bad or average players, continue to play long after they shouldn’t because they get bored and/or frustrated waiting for a good hand that allows them to compete. It is important to take steps to develop patience if this doesn’t come naturally.

Holdem Strategy #4: Properly Handling Fourth and Fifth Street
Fourth and Fifth Street are important junctures of the game. Individuals will either need to get out at these points in order to save themselves from massive losses or attempt to build-up the pot so that the payout is bigger. After fourth street, players should bail if they do not think that they will be able to secure a flush or straight without increasing the number chips placed in the pot. If a person has a weak hand, they should really considering folding