Texas Hold'em Pre-flop Strategies
The board cards at Texas Hold'em poker are probably the most overrated aspect of the game. This is because television shows often highlight showdowns and post-flop plays, since these are the more exciting aspect of the game. However, almost all of the action in Texas Hold'em occurs before the flop, and thus require serious strategic attention.
Think about it: you will most probably be dealt really good high-ranking hands only a few times. These are the only hands that are safe to bring to showdown. Thus, you would want to close the deal even before the flop is dealt, since there is a high chance that some other player will improve their hand.
Here we will outline some poker plays and strategies that will help you rake the chips before the flop.
1. The plain aggressive play
Opening and raising during the first betting round will often evoke a sign of hand strength, and will force most players with weak hands to fold. Even mid-range hands can win if you play aggressive enough. However, do this with caution: you would not want to face up against another player with a strong hand.
2. Check-raise
A mixture between a slow-play and a bluff, the check-raise is so aggressive to make your opponents throw their hands without even thinking twice. The aim of this poker strategy is simple: by checking in the early part of the first betting round and raising after a player opens, you lure players into participating in the pot.
Thus, if you have a strong hand, you get more than what you could get if you play aggressively immediately. And if you are holding a weak hand, you get to bluff without the danger of other players thinking that it's a bluff.
3. Bluffs and steals
If you are in the late position, be sure to use your position to your advantage. Bluff all you can if most players have folded. If you are on the button, then much better: use steal plays to steal the blind if almost all players have folded. You might get chips more slowly, but keep in mind that wins are still wins.
Using pre-flop poker strategies are the best way to win at Texas Hold'em. You may win much smaller pots than when you bring it to showdown, but you are at least sure of a win. Play aggressively, use check-raises when in the early or middle position, and bluffs and steals when in the late position. By mastering these pre-flop strategies, you will surely crawl your way to the final pot.