Texas Hold 'em After the Flop Strategy
Submitted by Abagail on Sun, 2004-12-12 06:18.
- Drawing hands, such as 4-card flush or straight draws, are some of the
most difficult hands to play. There really is no simple accurate advice. You
must always take into account your position, the previous action, the texture
of the board, the style of play of your opponents, and the size of the pot.
- If you don't have at least a drawing hand or a pair after the flop, it is
almost always correct to fold. The sole exception to this might occur if you
find yourself heads-up (2 players) or with 2 opponents and you have an
opportunity to bluff. Even in this case, some kind of draw is good, because
then you can semi-bluff.
- If the flop goes against your high pairs, and if there is a
coordinated board, i.e. possible flush or straight draws, it is often
correct to fold, especially is there is heavy betting. Marginal hands with
little drawing potential do not play well if there is a lot of action.
- When you hit a flush or straight, be aware of the possibilities of other
players having the same type of hand but higher. If there is heavy betting, it
is probable that someone else has you dominated.
- If you have a strong hand (top pair, excellent kicker, 2 pair or 3 of a
kind after the flop), it is often good to try to protect your hand. However,
there is no simple accurate advice for how to achieve this.
Sometimes, a bet is warranted, while at other times, it is correct to go for a
check-raise. A very good hand may even warrant a slow-play. Again, decisions
such as these are very complicated and involve taking into account a number of
factors, such as the number of remaining players, previous action, your
position, and knowledge of players' tendencies.
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