Tag Archives: opponent
Pay Attention to Your Side Card
In a poker game where there are communal cards which all players must use to make their hand, it is normal for two of the players to have hands that are the same except for the side card. The side cards are often called the “kicker”. The kicker is what makes the line between winning and losing a pot. There is a good reason behind the fact that the A-K is a major hand. It is mainly because of the kicker, or the strength of the kicker. Lets say for example, you flop a set with A-K, it is for sure that it was the highest possible pair with the best possible kicker. If it were an A-2 which you were flopping, the kicker would have been the best or the worst. This is even if the side card would have been an ace.
To better understand the concept, lets go through an example. You have been already dealt with and the opponent has an A-5. For the same instance, the flop is at A-4-4, you both would have made two pairs each. Lets say things ended there, your kicker would be the one directing in a win/loss situation. If you win, it would be the strength of your kicker. You should know, A-A-4-4-Q is a better hand compared to A-A-4-4-5. The only way the opponent would win is if they were able to get a five on the turn. If the opponent did get it, then they would beat you to it. Although, it is not as easy as it sounds for the opponent, they have to be able to get one of the fives in the deck. There are only three left. No other card would make the opponent the winner. Some of the cards would make the poker game a tie, and force both of you to split the earnings. One example where we can see this is if there were a king that was caught, it would make both players tie in. Both hands would be the same, as this right here; A-A-4-4-K. This would be a preferred situation in some cases, where both parties are hoping to win some.
Even though no one likes it, the weak side cards are not the best with an ace in your hand. There is a reason behind this, and this is it; the opponents just love aces and they will very willing play any ace that is dealt, this is not the case for any other random card.
Advanced Hold Em Tips – 7 Tips For Advanced Hold Em Players
If you are looking for some advanced hold em tips then read this article. You won’t find boring basic tips here. Warning: Advanced knowledge of Hold Em required.
7 Advanced Hold Em Tips
1) Utilise delayed steals when possible.
You can perform a delayed steal when you are in mid to late positions after anyone checks or raises. Call from position to set yourself up to take the pot after your opponent misses the flop. They won’t likely contest you and if they do they will lose more then they bargained for.
2) Make them pay for their draws.
If the flops drops and it looks as though your opponent may be playing for a draw, always raise to force them to pay for the privilege or pass up the chance. You’ll stop freeloaders and increase your long-term winnings.
3) Never stop mixing it up.
It should go without saying that if you play predictably you will be taken advantage of. Sometimes it’s right to play tight. Others it’s fine to play loose. Know when to and be sure to do it. If you’ve been playing one style for too long change!
4) Don’t play big pots with small hands.
Inevitably you will get into this situation. If an opponent is building the pot with a large raise don’t bother taking them on unless you have something decent. It’s easy to get dragged in with middle pairs or suited connectors. Don’t.
5) Play with better players then yourself.
I know the first thing that comes to mind is – why would I do that, I’ll lose! – but sometimes it’s better to play with better players that you can watch and learn from. Just be sure not to lose too much.
6) Know when a player is pot committed.
Realise when a player really commits himself to the pot – either intentionally or unintentionally – and take advantage of this. If a player bets more than 50% of his stack pre-flop he is committed.
7) Realise you don’t have to be the best.
You don’t have the be the best player at the table. You just have to be better then a few other players. Focus on winning their chips and try not to lose too many to the other guys.
No doubt these advanced Hold em tips will assist you in exploding your Hold em game into a more profitable endeavour. Keep up the learning and practice!