Beginner’s strategy and starting hands

Most new players are curious about what kind of strategy to adopt to become a profitable poker player. Like what kind of hands to stay before the flop, after the flop, what are the pot odds, possibilities, should I bluff or chase a hand and many more. But one of the most important things to remember when you are new at tables is to be aggressive and play tight.

Now what does this mean? You must play strong hands at first and fold when you don’t have at least 50% chance of winning the hand. Don’t chase draws. Players will think you play weak and try to run over you. But this works in your favor when you have a strong hand and loose players bet and raise often on their weak hands.

On the other hand a loose player might fold when you raise on a strong hand. A few more times and they think you are bluffing quite often. But once you win a big pot they won’t play to a showdown against you. So, playing initially like these requires patience, observation of your opponents, concentration and avoid playing when beat.

Now let’s see what the best starting hands are in poker? They are AA, AK suited, KK and QQ. Why, because the average winning percentage of these hands are around 31, 20, 26 and 22 respectively. All these hands deserve raise of around 4 times the table’s higher limit.

Other starting hands after the above four are JJ, AQ, KQ suited, AJ suited, KJ suited, TT and AK off-suit. The winning percentage of these hands is around 19, 18, low 18’s, 17, low 17’s, 16 and low 16’s. But remember KQ suited, AJ suited, KJ suited and AK can be easily beaten if the flop does not help you. That’s why even being pocket face cards, as being said as one of the best starting hands have a low winning percentage.

Again this is what mike sexton had to say regarding starting hands, pairs (7-7, 9-9), two face cards (K-Q, A-J), or hands that can make both a straight and a flush (8-9, 6-7 suited). Be patient and fold other hands, unless you're in the blind. Finally remember Texas holdem is a showdown game and majority of winning hands are high pairs.