Poker Strategy
There are two low
limit poker games that are popular with beginners
in the casino. Seven-card stud and Limit Texas
Hold'em. I chose to learn how to play Hold'em. The
rules of the game are fairly easy to learn. Limit
Hold'em has structured betting and the lowest
limit you will find in most casinos is a $3/$6
game. That means the minimum bet is three dollars
during the first two rounds of betting and the
minimum bet is six dollars during the last two
betting rounds. You use the limits when you raise
as well. Other limits you may find are 5/10 or
10/20 or higher. I will explain the 3/6 game.
Texas Hold'em can be played by up to eleven
players. Ten players are an ideal game and some
nice pots can be won.
Texas Hold'em
Just overcards on the flop: You can bet with an
ace or two minor overcards on the flop, but you
should fold if someone raises your bet. If someone
bets before you on the flop you can call with two
overcards, but fold them at the turn unless your
hand improves then. You can call with two major
overcards (ie A-J) if someone raises your bet on
the flop. You can also check-call a bet on the
turn with that kind of hand, unless the board
looks threatening.
7-Card Stud
Three of a Kind (a.k.a Trips,
"a set") is the best opening hand in 7-Card Stud
and the higher the rank the better. They can often
win you the round without improvement and leave
you great flexibility in your betting and
positioning in the coming streets.
If anyone at the table knew you held Trips right
off, they'd almost certainly Fold. The usual
recommendation is to take it slow and hide what
you've got. Bet modestly, Check or Call as
necessary, until you're in the high streets
(5-7th) where you can drag more money into the
pot.
You want to keep as many players in as long as
possible because you're probably going to beat
them. This is called the "slow play" and is
designed to maximize the pot. |