I have heard it so many times that poker is a card game that depends entirely on luck. I would have to say, when playing right, luck only accounts for 40% of the outcome. Sure, we have seen many great poker hands end up losing when the river is turned, but that is where the 40% of the luck comes in. The other 60% of the time, playing poker is truly skill. Usually, a poker round starts even before the cards are dealt, seeing as how many of the players like to banter and talk the entire time, while others use silence as their weapon. Well, after all that, the cards are dealt, and that is when the game starts. Some fold, others check, and the aggressive player raises; all of this depending on their starting hand. Take a look at the No-limit Hold’em Event #33 final round, where Dutch Boyd walked away with the bracelet and $288,744 in cash.
Boyd was holding an 
, while his opponent Steven Norden had a 
. Well, according to which poker hands should be the best to start with, you would need to go with Boyd, as he held the high card; even if Norden had the flush draw. In the end, Boyd came out on top when another Ace was turned on the river, giving him two pair, enough to knock Norden out and get his third WSOP bracelet.
Among the strategies that you want to pay attention to and take advantage of, placing the importance on your starting hand should be a priority; especially if you are going up against the pro’s. It is quite easy to learn what poker hands are the best to start with:
- Obviously high pairs are always great to have, the higher the better. For instance, if you get a pair of Aces, I hope you play the entire hand in a way that will draw in your opponents to the slaughter-fest, or simply go all-in right at the start after some baiting.
- High, same suited cards. If you have an Ace and a Queen of the same suit, that will give you a nice advantage over your opponents.
- High, off-suited cards. I have seen many players win by simply having the high card in their hand, so don’t knock it.
- Other pairs. There are certain pairs, like 6’s or 9’s, that will give you some advantage, statistically speaking.
This simple guide will help you analyze your starting hand much better, which will help you avoid placing a bet on a 3-8 off-suit; which I have had happen to me. Remember, start your strategy basing it off your starting hand. This works mostly for Hold’em, but you can apply it to the other types of poker that follow similar rules.
Great Schnauzer 