For those players new to the game of poker there is a tendency to view each round of betting in isolation. While clearly the odds of having a winning hand shift from round to round, the information picked up from previous rounds can deliver valuable insight for devising the ongoing game plan. The best players catalogue each bet, hesitation and fold helping them paint an overall picture as the hand develops. Attaining that high level of accuracy of prediction makes for a much better poker player over the long haul.

Recognizing a player’s tendencies effect on their betting habits will give you a stronger insight into how the hand will unfold. If a player makes a move that appears out of that expected, it is probably time for you to reassess what you think that player is holding, or revise your player expectations. You will be able to improve your understand how other players bet at the table by paying close attention to details of every hand, including those you are not involved in.

Weighing Pre Flop Play

Positioning is important when it comes to understanding what each player at the table is likely holding. Facing a raise in early position is likely an indication a player has a strong hand. Usually a high pair (10′s of greater) or high ace (Ace-King or Ace-Queen suited) can be assumed. Following the assessment of a large number of hands it has been recognized there are about 25 hands with a positive expected value. These range from Ace-8 suited to pocket aces. Out of the 25 the strongest five hands are A-K suited and pocket Jacks to aces. Holding one of these hands increases the chances of ultimate success.

A raise from a player in early position usually indicates they have a strong hand, and a re-raise signals another player believes they are in an even stronger position. Unless you are holding pocket aces, this is probably a good time to re-think your strategy for this hand. Playing a strong pocket king hand in the face of a re-raise or two will frequently put you at a disadvantage to pocket aces. Also take into consideration that an A-K hand is a slightly statistically lesser hand to pocket tens, so be sure you are adjusting your odds as play progresses.

Learning from Each Betting Round

As you stay in a hand past the flop, remember what you think the other players are holding based on their behavior. Being able to assess that another player holds a high pair before the flop will be very helpful if you remain in the hand. Staying in with a chance to hit a top flush or straight may give you good pot odds when there is a large pot and multiple players. However you should always remember you may be playing in some cases against someone with a higher drawing hand.

Making smart betting decisions and updating your analysis each round can help you make the best possible decisions at each stage of the game. Creating a complete narrative from each round of betting will help you determine the optimal strategy for betting as you approach showdown.

The author is a successful limit cash game player. He plays poker online and receives Poker Heaven Rakeback as well as Rakeback at Absolute Poker.

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