Poker Tactics: The Spread and You
Texas Hold'em Poker is a game with surprising depth. Aside from the importance of knowing which hands to play, another very subtle tactic lies on the table itself. There are many reasons to know how to read the spread and the board, but the value of this tactic lies in the fundamentals of any strategy - knowledge is power. Here are a few things to look for in the spread to help you in your betting and in your game.
Always remember, in Texas Hold'em as well as in other community variants of poker, that any player may have a pair, two pair or three of a kind. Three of a kind can be amazingly sneaky and surprising if a player starts out with a pair in the hole, as there is no way to see it coming aside from their betting pattern.
A straight requires three cards within a range of five on the board and no less. Low and middle straights still beat three of a kind or two pair, so don't feel so safe with your surprise three of a kind. A flush requires at least three of the same suit on the board and the dangerous straight flush requires both prior requirements.
Search for these possibilities and know just how good your hand could get and how opponents can bet you in Texas Hold'em. If you have a full house and the opponent doesn't have any way of getting a royal flush or four of a kind, why be afraid? Use sound tactics and bet hard to draw them in. Be aware of what could happen and you'll know when to bet and when to back down and wait for your chance.
In Texas Hold'em, when the spread or the board gives you a pair, warning bells should sound in your head. If you cannot take advantage of what the board gave, be very careful. If you're at the end of the betting order and no one seems to be too excited, toss in a good number - you might win the blinds at the very least.
Be aware of what your opponents could do. This awareness is a sound tactic and will give you a significant advantage over players who only play their hand and not the board. Combining this level of strategic awareness with other poker basics and tactics will lead to more victories. Success may not come immediately or instantly, but it will come. Not all players who use tactics succeed, but all successful players use tactics.