Playable Poker Hands
Playable Poker Hands by Dave Colclough
In an earlier article I suggested the sort of hands that you should,
or should not be playing. In the next couple of articles I will
deal with starting hands more specifically. As with all aspects
of poker there really aren't any specific rules, so the following
is only a suggested guide. It is also more relevant to Limit Hold'em,
where playing the correct cards will grind out a winning strategy
most of the time, if your discipline can outlast the 'luck rollercoaster'.
In No Limit Hold'em it could be argued that you can play any cards
if the position, state of the game, and depth of chips is great
enough. Even in NLH though, it is probably best not to waiver too
far from the following... unless your name is Gus Hansen or David
Ulliot.
I'll split the hand types into three : pocket pairs, suited cards
and unsuited cards. The following suggestions are probably most
suited to an average 9 handed $2/$4 table, where it is neither an
aggressive, or very tight line up. Slight adjustments would have
to be made if the game became too tight, and likewise if the game
became a little wild.
Pocket Pairs and Limit Hold em.
Aces, Kings, Queens - Play, raise and re-raise at every opportunity
in any position, any amount of players. Don't 4-bet Queens against
very tight opponents
Jacks, Tens, Nines - Play and raise in any position. Only re-raise
in late position against 1 opponent. If there are three or four
opponents after the flop, you will need to be holding an overpair
or a set.
Eights, Sevens - Play in un-raised pots. Only raise in heads up
situations such as the blinds. Heads up, you are likely to win with
just the pair of eights. Against two opponents or more, you need
help on the flop.
Sixes, Fives - Pass in early position to a raise. Pass in early
position if there is likely to be a raise behind you. Call in late
position, preferably against several opponents where you are getting
a good return should you flop a set. Only raise in the blinds heads
up against weak opponents.
Fours, Threes and Twos - Pass in early position. Only play in pots
where there are at least three opponents (e.g.two limpers and a
big blind). Always try and avoid playing these hands unless you
are last to act after the flop.
Dave
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