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Edited by Ritu13 at 22-12-2023 01:35 PM
Primary Player's Winning Strategy: Play only the top ten hands - AA, KK, AK, QQ, JJ, TT, 99, 88, AQ, 77. Why does such a simple strategy lead to profits?
Firstly, playing only the top ten hands ensures more wins and fewer losses. Playing hands doesn't guarantee winning every time, but the key is to win more often than losing. For instance, having pocket Aces (a pair of Aces) doesn't guarantee a win in every hand. However, if you win two out of three hands with Aces, and three people are in the hand each time, your odds are 4:1 (winning two hands and four people's money, losing one hand and losing one share of money). Additionally, in Texas Hold'em, losing often occurs in showdowns. For example, if one player has AK and another has AQ, and the community cards include an Ace, both players may stay in the hand. But because AK's kicker (the King) is higher than AQ's (the Queen), the probability of AK winning over AQ is 4:1. In reality, most players play hands with two tens or higher. By playing only the top ten hands, you're more likely to have a stronger kicker than others, increasing your chances of winning. Playing only the top ten hands makes opponents aware that you only play strong hands. If they don't have a good hand, they are more likely to fold, and you win the hands you should.
In reality, playing only the top ten hands is not easy. Firstly, it requires patience since the opportunity to get these top hands is limited, perhaps 2-4 times per hour. Additionally, playing the Big Blind and Small Blind reduces your playing opportunities even further. Thus, what could be an exciting activity becomes a mechanical and tedious "job." Many people find it challenging to stick to playing only the top ten hands. There's a saying in Texas Hold'em: "Any two cards can win." This is why some people play any cards—they are in it for entertainment, seeking the thrill of winning with weak hands, essentially spending money for amusement. If your goal is to make money, you must withstand the boredom.
Now, let's discuss the strategy for each of the top ten hands:
AA, KK, QQ, AK: If you have a pair of Aces, Kings, Queens, or an Ace and a King, keep raising before the Flop. This is your best chance to maximize your winnings. Try to make others lose more money before seeing the first three community cards. If the table is very tight, with only 2-3 players seeing each hand, and you're the first to act, consider just calling instead of raising. This avoids scaring away potential players. It's best to play Aces against 2-3 opponents, increasing your chances of winning and minimizing the risk of being beaten if 6-7 players are involved.
JJ: Be cautious with Jacks. They are a decent hand, but they can easily be beaten. Play them carefully. If no one has raised before you, consider raising. If someone has raised, and you're after them, also raise to reduce the number of players. If you're before them, just call. The fewer players in the hand, the better your chances of winning with Jacks.
TT, 99, 88, AQ, 77: The basic strategy is similar to JJ, but exercise more caution. These hands are not the strongest, so it's best to play them with as few opponents as possible. With a small pair, winning relies on hitting a set (three of a kind) on the flop. The odds of getting another card of the same rank after having a pair are 7:1. If there are already six players in the hand and you don't hit your set on the first three community cards, it's advisable to fold. |
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