Texas Hold'em Poker Tips

Texas Holdem is one of the most popular card games in the world, but to become a successful player, you will need to have extreme patience. Some careful strategy can yield bragging rights to the casual poker player, or some serious cash to the seasoned vet.

The position that you sit at the poker table in relation to the dealer is an important consideration when playing Texas Holdem. If you have a strong hand, sitting relatively close to the dealer may not be a problem. But the farther away from the dealer that you are, the greater amount of time you will have to react to other players actions, such as call, check, etc.

From any position in Texas Holdem, you should raise with Aces or Kings; however from the early position, you should call with Ace/King, Ace/Queen, King/Queen, or pairs Queens, Jacks, or Tens. Fold everything else.

From the middle position in Texas Holdem, you should call with Nines, Eights, Ace/Jack, Queen/Jack, Ace/Queen, or King/Queen. Fold everything else.

If you are in the late position in Texas Holdem, you should call with Aces over anything, Kings/Tens, Queen/Tens, Jacks/Tens, Ace/Jacks and Ace/Tens as well as pairs.

Dont make the mistake of some many Texas Holdem players of playing an Ace with any small kicker card. These hands may win occasionally, but in the long run, they are losers. They can cause a money trap if you make a habit of playing them out every time.

The money no longer belongs to you once you post your blind. Dont feel pressured to defend your blind by calling raises if you have a marginal hand, you may be throwing more money down the drain.

After the flop, you must decide if you want to continue playing. If you have an inferior hand, fold after the flop if there is a bet on the table. By the time of the flop, you will have seen five of the seven cards that will comprise your final hand.

After seeing the turn card, if you think you have the best hand, then you should bet. Many players may try to check raise when this instance arises, so if the other players also check you may lose. If another players raises on the turn and you are holding just one pair, then you most likely will be beaten, you should fold. Dont look for your miracle card on the river, as many players do. If you get to the turn with only two cards that are higher than any cards of the board without a flush or straight draw, fold if there is bet in front of you. With two high cards that are not suited, the best you can hope for is a pair, which usually doesnt win anyways.

Remember that Texas Holdem, as with any poker game, requires patience and experience. You will learn to read your cards better with each session. Texas Holdem can be one of the most entertaining and profitable poker games out there once you have learned to play your cards right.