InsideEdge: Basic Poker Strategy

Spring Hands

Hot shots. You won't get better shots at the pot than post-flop hands such as these

1. JANUARY With any pair, a fourth card on the flop of the same rank (which will make ‘quads’) is a dream hand by any player’s standards and you should certainly bet and raise in all circumstances. You are virtually (but not definitely) unbeatable – just remember, you want to see as much action as possible. ADVICE Bet and raise in all circumstances.		2. FEBRUARY If you are holding an Ace and another card of the same suit, and then the flop deals you a second Ace and two lower-ranked cards of the same suit, you are looking at drawing for a flush as well as already holding top pair. You should be looking to play aggressively. ADVICE Bet and raise in almost all circumstances.
3. MARCH With any pair, a third card on the flop of the same rank (to make ‘trips’) is good enough to indicate a raise in most circumstances. Your opponent/s may have a draw to beat you, but it’s probably a good strategy to make them pay to find out. Bet and raise unless you have a very good reason not to. ADVICE Bet and raise in almost all circumstances.		4. APRIL If you hold a high-ranking top pair (overpair) before and after the flop (10-10 or better), play aggressively. Bet and raise, eg you hold Q-Q against a Jack on the flop. You’re likely to get plenty of play from anyone holding a card of equal rank to that on the flop, especially if they have a high-card kicker (say an Ace) to go with it. ADVICE Usually bet and raise – but beware June flops.