Starting with better hands tops those who play too many

One of the most common mistakes recreational poker players make is limping ( just calling the big blind) far too often. They limp because they want to see the flop before deciding whether a hand is worth a significant investment.

In reality, the vast majority of Texas hold ’em hands will rarely flop a strong enough holding to justify risking additional money.

While the best starting hands (strong pairs and big cards) are obviously worth playing, many players limp with a wide range of speculative hands. When many players see the flop (as will often be the case in small-stakes games), you need an incredibly strong hand to justify continuing because it’s highly likely that someone will flop a premium hand. You’ll find that middle (and sometimes top) pairs do not fare well when a lot of people see the flop.

For example, let’s say four players limp, and you also limp from the button with Kh 5c, 9s 7c or 9h- 4h. The blinds also see the flop, which comes Jc 9d 5h.

If you face a bet with any of these hands (all middle or bottom pair), you will be in a marginal spot.

If you call, you may already be in bad shape against a better made hand. And if your opponent happens to be bluffing, there are many turn cards that could improve your opponent to a superior hand.

If your opponent continues betting on the turn, you may have to fold, especially if the turn brings a scary card. (And don’t forget about the two players in the blinds, who could easily have you crushed.)

If someone bets and someone else calls, you should almost always fold. One mistake some players make is to call and see a multi-way turn. This is a particularly detrimental leak, and it often does not feel like the wrong move due to the excellent pot odds you are getting.

However, if you fail to improve, you will almost always have to fold to a bet. If you are lucky enough to improve, you may still have the second-best hand, or your opponents may not pay you off when you bet. If someone bets and someone else raises the flop, you should make an easy fold.

The point is that you do not want to play hands that will often flop marginal made hands. This typically includes hands containing one big card and one little card (Ks 5d), connected or gapped offsuit hands (8h 7c or 8h 6c), and junky suited hands (Jh 6h).

These hands are all unplayable in almost every situation except when you are in the big blind.

I understand that it might be tempting to see the flop when everyone else is splashing around in a pot.

But realize that these players are losing money in the long term to players who are more patient and wait until they have a reasonable edge before playing a hand.

The easiest way to beat players who play too many hands is to simply start with better hands. Plugging this leak will go a long way to making you a better poker player.