Master the Fundamentals, Avoid Costly Mistakes & Start Winning More Hands
Why Texas Hold’em?
Texas Hold’em is the most popular and widely played form of poker. It’s a game of skill, strategy, and patience, where the best players win in the long run. While luck plays a role in the short term, players who understand key fundamentals consistently win more money over time.
If you’re new to online poker or struggling to build a winning strategy, this guide will teach you the essential principles to gain an edge at the tables.
Basic Starting Hands Strategy – Play the Right Hands in the Right Spot
Winning poker starts before the flop—choosing the right hands to play is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Premium Hands – The Best Starting Hands to Play
These hands give you the highest probability of winning and should always be played aggressively.
- Pocket Pairs: AA, KK, QQ, JJ, 10-10
- Big Broadway Hands: AK, AQ, AJ, KQ (especially suited)
- Strong Suited Connectors: 10-9 suited, 9-8 suited
Playable Hands – Strong in the Right Situations
These hands can be profitable, but you must be selective about where and when you play them.
- Mid Pocket Pairs: 99, 88, 77, 66
- Weaker Broadway Hands: KJ, QJ, J10 (especially suited)
- Lower Suited Connectors: 8-7 suited, 7-6 suited
Hands to Avoid – Costly for Beginners
Most losing players play too many weak hands. Avoid these unless you have a specific reason (like stealing blinds in late position).
- Weak Unsuited Hands: J-4 offsuit, 9-3 offsuit
- Low-Ace Hands (Unsuited): A-7, A-6, A-5 (unless in late position)
- Gapped Connectors: 10-6, 9-5, 8-4 (these rarely hit strong hands)
Pro Tip: Always consider your position before deciding to play a hand. Even strong hands lose value if played from a bad position.
Position Play – Where You Sit at the Table Determines Your Strategy
In Texas Hold’em, your position at the table determines how much information you have before making decisions. The later you act, the more you know about your opponents’ actions.
Early Position (EP) – Small Blind, Big Blind, Under the Gun (UTG)
- You act first, which is a disadvantage.
- Play only premium hands (AA, KK, QQ, AK).
- Avoid marginal hands like suited connectors or weak broadway hands.
Middle Position (MP) – MP1, MP2, MP3
- More flexibility, but you still must be careful.
- You can start adding hands like 99, AQ, and suited connectors (J10 suited, 10-9 suited).
- Watch how early position players act before deciding.
Late Position (LP) – Cutoff (CO) and Button (BTN)
- The best position at the table—you act last after seeing how everyone else plays.
- You can play more hands, including weaker suited connectors and some weaker Aces.
- You can steal pots more effectively by raising when opponents check.
Pro Tip: The Button (BTN) is the most profitable seat in poker. If everyone folds to you, raise aggressively and put pressure on the blinds.
Understanding Poker Odds & Probabilities – Make Smart Calls
Poker isn’t just about playing cards—it’s about making mathematically correct decisions. If you don’t understand odds, you’re guessing—and guessing leads to losing money.
How to Calculate Pot Odds
Pot odds tell you if calling a bet is profitable based on your chances of hitting a winning hand.
Example: Calling a Flush Draw
You have A♠ 10♠, and the board is K♠ 7♠ 2♥. You need one more spade for a flush.
- Count Your Outs
- There are 13 spades in a deck, and 2 are in your hand, 2 on the board.
- You have 9 outs (remaining spades).
- Calculate Your Odds of Hitting on the Next Card
- Use the Rule of 2 and 4:
- After the flop: Multiply your outs by 4 (9 x 4 = 36% chance to hit by the river).
- After the turn: Multiply by 2 (9 x 2 = 18% chance to hit on the river).
- Compare Pot Odds vs. Hand Odds
- If the pot is $100 and your opponent bets $25, you must call $25 to win $125.
- Pot odds = $125 / $25 = 5-to-1.
- Your flush draw odds are roughly 4-to-1.
- Since pot odds (5-to-1) are better than your hand odds (4-to-1), calling is profitable.
Pro Tip: If your pot odds are higher than your hand odds, call. If not, fold.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Most players lose money by making avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common pitfalls:
- Playing Too Many Hands – Be patient and wait for strong hands.
- Ignoring Position – Playing from early position with weak hands will cost you money.
- Overplaying Hands Like A-Q, J-J – They look strong, but against a raise, they can be dominated.
- Bluffing Too Much – Bluffing only works if your story makes sense. Read our guide to bluffing to master the art.
- Calling Too Many Bets – Learn to fold when the numbers aren’t in your favor.
Pro Tip: Winning poker isn’t about playing every hand—it’s about making the right decisions.
Final Tips & Next Steps – Take Action Now
You now understand the fundamentals of Texas Hold’em strategy—now it’s time to put them into action.
Step 1: Download Our Free Starting Hands Chart
Get a printable Texas Hold’em Starting Hands Chart so you always know what to play.
Step 2: Join Americas Cardroom (ACR) and Play for Real Money
Sign up at Americas Cardroom and get a 100% deposit bonus when you start playing.
Step 3: Watch Your Bankroll Grow
With proper strategy and discipline, you’ll start winning more hands and making smarter plays.
Winning poker players don’t rely on luck—they master the fundamentals and make great decisions. Start now and take your game to the next level.
Ready to play? Join ACR today and take advantage of our sign-up bonus.
