If you want to be able to win money playing low-blinds cash games you have to know basics of Texas Holdem poker. First of all I mean rules of the game and simple skills of building combinations like flushes and straights.

But mastering such simple skills is not enough if you wish to become professional Texas Holdem player. There are many tricks in Texas Holdem and you should learn how to use them. Without it your chances to win big pots are extremely low.

And one of the most important skills in Texas Holdem is an ability to read cards of your opponents. So, how to do it? Basically, you need to analyze the hand and actions of your opponent. First of all, try to compose a range of cards which your opponent can possibly have. Knowing the range of cards will help you to evaluate your chances to win the hand.

Actually, it is very difficult to master skills of reading cards of your opponents. In contrast to other Texas Holdem tricks reading of opponents cards can not be done with help of a universal strategy. So, there is NO strategy you can rely on to read cards of your opponents.

You will face different poker players with unique Texas Holdem styles. And it won’t be easy to read their cards. Of course, after participating in hundreds of games you will have an important experience. And this experience helps to read cards better. But what should you do if you are just a beginner in Texas Holdem?

Well, I advise to start with observations. Keep an eye on your opponents. Be patient and concentrated. You will have to analyze all actions of your opponents. What is important to learn about your opponents? – Everything! But first of all how often they play, how often they raise and place bets etc. But of course it is almost impossible to observe actions of all opponents. Therefore you should concentrate your attention on several. For example on two sitting to the left from you.

So, if your opponent doesn’t play hands often and now he raises it means that he has got strong cards. At least in most cases. Accurate Texas Holdem players are ready to wait and wait for strong cards. They want to minimize risks and you should remember about it. And on the contrary, if a player uses aggressive style with attributes of a maniac, you should not be feared by his raises. Again, at least in most cases.

As I said it is crucial to be able to read cards of your opponents. At the same it is also important to be unpredictable and not to let your opponents read your cards. Therefore stick to your image. Try to play certain percentage of hands during a session. If you play extremely rare don’t be surprised if your opponents fold after your raise. They expect you to play only strong cards and they have all the reasons to be afraid of you. Therefore play variously and don’t be predictable.

Another important thing is your emotions. Do not let them to take control over you. When you expect the river to bring you needed card and it doesn’t happen, don’t show it! Don’t be upset, your opponents will read your emotions on your face. Try not to speak much when you play Texas Holdem. Experienced opponents are able to analyze your voice and speeches and it will help them to read your cards.

Also recommended:

1. Importance of the time your opponents spend to make decisions in Holdem
2. No-Limit Texas Holdem: what cards can be considered good ones?
3. Do not give any free cards to your opponents!
4. The importance of position in Poker
5. Heads Up Texas Holdem Tips: Blinds and High cards