If you are anything like me, then the first time you played Texas Holdem, you were probably thinking one thing: “Why didn’t I start playing this game sooner?” This classic poker game is not only easy to learn but also entertaining and addicting. Trust me; once you start playing, you will keep on playing!
One of the best things about Texas Holdem is that it is a relatively fast-paced game. Unlike some poker games where hands can seem to drag on for hours, in Texas Hold’em, most hands only last a few minutes. So if you are looking for a fun and exciting way to spend an evening with friends (or even strangers), then look no further than Texas Hold’em!
To be a successful Texas Holdem player, you must have a robust post-flop game. Many players make the mistake of thinking that all they need to do is win pre-flop, and they will be raking in the pots. However, if your post-flop game is weak, you will be on the losing end more often than not.
Here are some tips on how to hone your Texas poker post-flop game!
1) Determine possible draws after the flop
One of the first things you need to do after the flop is to determine if there are any possible draws. A draw is a hand that needs one more card to become a winning hand. For example, if you have two Hearts in your hand and there are two more Hearts on the flop, then you have a Flush draw.
While it is not guaranteed that you will hit your flush, it is still possible. Draws can range from strong to weak. A strong draw would be something like a Flush or Straight draw, while a weak draw would be something like an Open-Ended Straight flush.
Of course, the two ways to do this are figuring out possible draws for you and your opponents. Ponder on questions like what kind of combinations are possible and how strong are my hands.
You should also wonder what draws your opponents may have. Are they about to complete a combination? Does the flop give them no chance of a good combination?
Knowing all of this will help you determine your subsequent actions. Wanna learn more about playing poker? Sign up at GGPoker and play free poker games right now!
2) Play your draws aggressively or cautiously
Knowing what type of draw you have is crucial because it will dictate how you should play your hand. If you have a strong draw in Texas poker, you can afford to be more aggressive since you have a good chance of making your hand. However, if you have a weak draw, you will want to play your hand cautiously since the chances of making your hand are slim.
3) Do not slow-play big hands
Many players make the mistake of slow-playing their big hands after the flop in an attempt to trap their opponents. However, more often than not, this strategy backfires, and you end up missing out on a lot more money than you would have if you had just played your hand aggressively.
4) Know when to bluff
Bluffing is essential when you play Texas Holdem, but it is also a very tricky thing to master. You need to know when it is right to bluff and when it is not. If you bluff too much, your opponents will catch on and call your bluffs. However, if you do not bluff enough, your opponents may never give you any action.
A good rule of thumb is to only bluff when you have a good chance of winning the pot. For example, if you are holding a weak hand but there are a lot of low cards on the board, you might be able to bluff your way to victory.
5) Be cautious of post-flop pairs
What happens if the flop has a pair? If you have a pocket pair, you are in good shape. However, you must be cautious if you do not have a pocket pair.
This does not mean you should always fold when the flop has a pair, but you should tread carefully.
On another note, it is so easy to get excited if you have hole card pairs and the flop comes in with another pair. But what if your opponent has a three-of-a-kind? Do not get too cocky and end up losing big.
6) Do not be afraid to fold
Many Texas Holdem poker players are too stubborn and hate folding, even if they know they are beaten. If you have a weak hand, folding is no shame. In fact, it is probably the smartest thing to do when you play Texas Holdem. There is no point in throwing good money on a bad call.
7) Take advantage of position
One of the most essential things in Texas Holdem is position. Position refers to where you sit at the table relative to the dealer button. The earlier your position, the worse off you are. The later your position, the better off you are.
This is especially crucial if you play Texas Holdem online. Because you cannot possibly see your opponent’s physical tells, all you can do is adjust to their betting patterns.
The later you are to act, the more information you have. You get to see how everyone else acted before you have to make a decision. This gives you a significant advantage, and you should use it to your advantage.
Learning how to act according to position is very important in the post-flop play. With community cards already dealt, you see how your opponents react or whether you should play conservatively or aggressively.
Pro Tip: Get experience first and play Texas Holdem for free. It is the best way to learn without risking too much!
Conclusion
You need to keep these things in mind when playing post-flop Texas Holdem. If you can master these concepts, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful player.
