Hold'em basic Strategy

Poker strategy is highly complex --- an aspiring player would be wise to buy a book on poker strategy before playing in a casino. Nevertheless, some of the basic factors that influence good play can easily be explained. One of the most significant considerations is the number of other players at the table: in a large game with 9 or 10 other opponents, you need to have a strong hand to win the pot, so you should fold most hands before seeing the flop. In a smaller, "short-handed" game you can afford to play more hands, since you are facing fewer opponents. Other important factors:

• the style of play of your opponents: how often they raise, how inclined they are to call, and so on
• your position in the hand. The player in the "dealer" position is always the last player to act in every betting round. Therefore, that player has the most information about the other players, and is in the best position. The earlier the position you are in, the greater your disadvantage. Therefore, you should be inclined to play more hands in late position, and fewer hands in early position.
• your "table image": how other players at the table perceive your play alters the way they play. If they think are you a "tight" player who only plays premium hands, they will be less inclined to call your raises; if they think you are an aggressive player who frequently raises with mediocre hands, they will be more inclined to call. Good poker players are able to vary their style in play to take advantage of the present situation and to make their play less predictable.