Poker Strategy

As this page is targeted at online poker beginners, we feel the need to explain what the term 'longhand' means. It is a game that includes eight or more players. A longhand poker game requires participants to be more patient and more careful regarding their moves. What you need to remember is that the more people take part in the game the higher are the chances of someone beating you to the jackpot.

This article is intended to provide players with basic knowledge on what it takes to win in longhand limit Texas Hold 'em games.

The most common mistake amateur poker players commit is playing any starting poker hand, regardless of its value. This is a major no-no. What you need to do is wait until you're dealt a worthy hand. A hand that is of a relatively high value or, at least, just playable. According to David Skalansky, a major poker authority, starting poker hands should be divided into eight categories. However, here, we choose to present only four general categories so its easier for you to understand the method.

The first set of hands worthy of playing with is AA, KK, QQ, JJ, AK. No matter how you look at it, these are the strongest hands with the highest potential to bring you victory. Sklansky says that these starting hands (with the obvious exception of AK and JJ, where you need to be slightly more careful) should be raised from any position at the poker table. These hands are winning hands and you can rule the table with them.

The second set of hands is TT, 99, AQ, KQ. These are undeniably strong hands as well. However, they bear a certain percentage of risk. What we mean to say is that although these hands boast a relatively high strength they are not unbeatable. Our advice is that you play these hands but don't go overboard when it comes to calling. This is because you don't really have a substantial advantage going into the Flop.

The third set of hands is 88, AJ, AT, KJ, QJ, JT, QT. These hands are still in the 'good' category. What you need to pay special attention to is AJ, AT and KJ because these may eventually get beaten by your opponent's higher kicker. These hands boast the strongest contribution to your winning chances when you are the last one to act or when they are suited. Remember, if there was a lot of raising and reraising action before you, it is better to consider quiting the game because some of your opponents are probably holding cards much stronger than yours. On the other hand, if most of the players folded to you and there are but a few who called, then a raise is definitely in place.

The fourth set of hands is Ax suited (x stands for any small card), K7+ anything suited, hole pairs 77, 66, 55, 44, 33, 22, and suited connectors T9s, 98s, 87s, 76s, T8s, 97s, 86s. On the one hand, these combinations miss the pot very frequently. On the other hand, there are situations in which they are simply fantastic (for instance, if you happen to hit a flush). Therefore, it is very natural that you want to nab a fat pot if you are actually going to make something useful with these hands. What you need to hope for is that many of your opponents go into the flop.

As you've probably noticed there is a special element to longhand poker. When you have many opponents, as is usually the case, you need to pay very close attention to your own moves and the moves of your opponents. However, above all you need to be really picky about the starting hands you are willing to play with. After all, it's eventually all about your bankroll...