Hold Em' or Fold Em': Things to Remember Before the Flop

Poker, as with any games of chance usually involves luck in getting the right cards at the right moment to get a winning hand. Of course knowing whether you would want to play with what you've got or rather not risk losing by betting the opening blind bets is always an advantage. Here are a few basic things you would want to remember before the flop even starts and increase your odds of getting a winning hand.

Getting a high card: Folding with a high card is hard, especially if it's anything from a Jack to an Ace. But relying on getting a high pair on the flop can usually lead to a loss if you're not careful. The best option would be to look at the second card that you have. Anything below a seven is too risky and one should never rely too much on them. Unless you have something to support the high card you have you're better off folding.

Getting a pair: Any pair that is lower than sevens is never worth it. Although there are times that sticking with a pair could give you the chance for a three of a kind, remember that there is no guarantee that you'll get them. If you have the chips to pay the blind then go for it. But if anyone raises for some reason or you're behind on chip count don't risk it.

Getting two same suits: getting two cards of the same suit usually offers a higher probability of getting a winning hand but if you get low cards (lower than seven) it might not be worth the effort. As with getting a pair you can risk it if you have enough chips but if you don't then it would be smarter to fold.

Now, if you combine all three to decide whether or not to fold or play is the essence of the opening bets, getting a high card with the same suit as your second card, low or not, is always a good idea as your chances to get a good hand after the flop increases greatly. Getting a high pair is also to your advantage. These card combinations are pretty much the foundation you'll have to see the game through and as much as possible win you some chips.

The opening blinds, although they seem just the formality to the main betting can be used to an advantage. If you're not the small blind or big blind you have the option of folding rather than lose chips no matter how small the blinds may be. Being able to know if your hand stands a fighting chance even before the flop is as great an advantage as any.