How to use “monster cards” in Texas Holdem

US players are welcome

Most beginners think that good cards can guarantee them success in Texas Holdem poker. But this statement is not correct. It is not enough just to have good cards. Ability to play hands having “monster cards” (AA, KK, QQ, AK) is crucial. And if you are lucky to catch “monster cards” it doesn’t mean that you can just let the game go by itself. You have to control the hand and use your “monster cards” with a maximum result. Your Texas Holdem strategy really makes a difference. Your “monster cards” can bring you a huge pot if you play correct. But if you make mistakes your “monster cards” will earn you just a few bucks.

There are many different ways to play good cards. Many experts say that it is effective to play “monster cards” slowly trying to hide them from the opponents. Others believe that it is better to place bets from the very beginning. But I say that you should not use the same strategy all the time. Texas Holdem is a situational game. And Texas Holdem strategy depends on a situation and behavior of rivals. Just always remember that you opponent has to be tied to his stake. Therefore it will be extremely difficult for him/her to fold. In such cases it will be very easy for you to take all his/her money at the river. And your “monster cards” will be played correctly with best possible result.

When you should use slow play?

The best situation to use slow play is when you face aggressive opponent and you have a final word. It is extremely pleasant if your aggressive opponent places bet by bet and you just have to call having AA. Thereby your opponent “feeds your monster”.

So, this is the only one case when I use slow play. I call bets at the flop and re-raise at the turn. And if my opponent has got best pair he becomes tied to his stake because he has already put much money in the pot. My next step is to be all-In at the river. It has to be a final effort to take away the money.

Turn is the best time to make your opponent tied to a stake. If your opponent raises at the turn just double or triple his bet. In most cases your opponent will continue playing because the game becomes too expensive to fold.

When to place bets

I really like to play with “monster cards“against strong players because I always know if they have good cards or not. If strong opponent calls it means in most cases that he/she has got the highest pair from the flop. And it also makes it possible to tie him to the pot. Then I will try to tie him to the pot at the river and take all the money at the river. But there is an exception. You should be careful if there are drawing hands with possible high value. If such drawing hands can beat you, be careful. In such cases I advise you to force your opponents to be all-in at the turn. Some of your opponents will fold and it will minimize chances to complete drawing hands.

There is an example. I have got around $600 and my opponent’s stake is almost of the same size. I have got 5-5 and the flop brings K-2-5. I place 48 $, the opponent calls. In most cases it means that he has got A-K or K with something else. Now it is the time to tie him to the pot. I bet $120 at the turn. If my opponent raises I will be all-in. And if he didn’t raise and just checked I would be all-in at the river. So, this was just an example how to make your monster cards work.

Also recommended:

1. Playing Monster Hands in No-Limit Cash Games
2. Do not give any free cards to your opponents!
3. Importance of ability to read cards in Texas Holdem
4. Texas Holdem tricks
5. No-Limit Texas Holdem: what cards can be considered good ones?