Poker Strategy: Complete Winning Guide
Master poker strategy to improve your game. Learn starting hand selection, position play, betting strategies, and advanced tactics for Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and casino poker.
Starting Hand Selection
The foundation of good poker strategy is knowing which hands to play. Not all starting hands are created equal, and playing too many weak hands is a common mistake.
Premium Hands (Always Play)
- Pairs: AA, KK, QQ, JJ, 10-10
- High cards: AK, AQ, AJ, KQ
- Suited connectors: A-K suited, K-Q suited, Q-J suited
Marginal Hands (Play Selectively)
- Small pairs: 9-9, 8-8, 7-7 (play for set value)
- Suited aces: A-2 through A-9 suited
- Connectors: 9-10, 10-J, J-Q
Weak Hands (Fold)
- Low unsuited cards: 2-7, 3-8, etc.
- Gapped low cards: 2-5, 4-7, etc.
- Most hands below 7-8
Position Play
Position is crucial in poker. Playing in late position (acting last) gives you more information and control.
Position Hierarchy
- Early Position: Play only premium hands (first 2-3 players)
- Middle Position: Play premium and strong hands
- Late Position: Can play more hands, including marginal ones
- Button: Best position - can play widest range
Betting Strategies
Value Betting
Bet when you have a strong hand to extract maximum value from opponents.
Bluffing
Represent strong hands when you're weak, but use sparingly and selectively.
Pot Odds
Calculate if calling a bet is profitable based on pot size and odds of winning.
Bankroll Management
Only risk 1-5% of bankroll per session, avoid tilt, set limits.
Texas Hold'em Strategy Tips
- ✓Tight-Aggressive: Play few hands but bet aggressively when you do
- ✓Read the Board: Understand what hands are possible based on community cards
- ✓Watch Opponents: Pay attention to betting patterns and tendencies
- ✓Manage Tilt: Stay calm after bad beats, don't play emotionally
Casino Poker Strategy
Casino poker games (like Casino Hold'em, Three Card Poker) have simpler strategies since you're playing against the house, not other players.
Key Principles
- • Follow basic strategy charts for each game
- • Know when to fold vs when to call
- • Understand side bet odds (usually poor value)
- • Manage bankroll for extended play
Practice Poker Strategy at Bet2Jet
Apply your strategy knowledge and improve your poker skills!