When you just start your career in Texas Holdem poker it is better to fold if you have weak or average cards. If you are not sure, just fold. Following this rule will save you from making difficult decisions. For absolute beginners who have never played Texas Holdem before I advise to start a game only in case if a player has a pair (AA-22) or AK, AQ. When you have such strong cards your chances to win are pretty high and you do not have to think much about your decisions. At the same time you will earn some money and it is a perfect way to get started.

Playing only these cards is not that easy. It requires you to be disciplined, you have to be ready to skip most hands and wait for your chance. Use this strategy for beginners, it gives good results. And you will have much time to observe your rivals and collect more information about them and their playing styles.

I would like to show you one table. Here you can see what cards you should play and when (correlation between position and cards you should play). This table is suitable if you play against average Texas Holdem players, not “maniacs”. Here is the list of pocket cards you HAVE to have to start the game if nobody raised before you.

Pocket cards you should have to start playing if nobody raised before you

(o=of the same suit)

Advice to play before the flop

•  In most cases you should raise when you have best pairs (AA-QQ) or strong connectors (AK-AQ). Your aggressive strategy will force opponents with weak cards and worst pairs to pay to continue the game until the flop. Do not forget, if the flop bring them good cards they can outclass you. But many newcomers do not understand it and fold too often.

•  Only play best pocket cards (have a look at the table). You will have to pay for your games with weak / average cards in No-Limit Texas Holdem.

•  Raise by 70 – 100 % if you bluff (approximately 3 big blinds). And raise by 4-6 big blinds if you wish to steal big blind from an opponent.

•  Be careful with accurate players. Respect them and adjust your strategy. For example, you should fold having AQ if your opponent raised before the flop and you have noticed him playing very rarely.

•  If your opponents are not that good you should try to play with weak and average cards.

•  Place bets and re-raise if you have AA-QQ. And it doesn’t matter which position you occupy at the table.

•  Most other pocket cards are weak. But at the same time you can re-raise to protect your blind.

•  Sometimes you should change strategy. Don’t be afraid to call or raise with weak average cards. Make yourself unpredictable.

Also recommended:

1. Heads Up Texas Holdem Tips: Blinds and High cards
2. Texas Holdem Strategies for Pot Limit Vs No Limit
3. No-Limit Texas Holdem with blinds $1/$2: which strategy you should use?
4. Single-Table No-Limit Texas Holdem Tournaments
5. Do not give any free cards to your opponents!