Poker Strategy Guide
Master the art of poker with comprehensive strategy guides, hand rankings, and probability analysis for Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and more.
Poker Hand Rankings
Understanding hand rankings is fundamental to poker success. Here are the standard poker hands from strongest to weakest:
1. Royal Flush
A, K, Q, J, 10 all of the same suit. The highest possible hand in poker.
2. Straight Flush
Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
3. Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same rank.
4. Full House
Three of a kind plus a pair.
5. Flush
Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
6. Straight
Five consecutive cards of different suits.
7. Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same rank.
8. Two Pair
Two different pairs.
9. One Pair
Two cards of the same rank.
10. High Card
When you don't have any of the above hands, the highest card plays.
Poker Variations
Texas Hold'em
The Game
The most popular form of poker worldwide. Each player receives two private cards, and five community cards are dealt face-up on the board.
How to Play
- Each player receives two private cards (hole cards)
- Five community cards dealt in three stages: flop (3), turn (1), river (1)
- Players make the best 5-card hand using any combination of their hole cards and community cards
- Betting occurs after each round of community cards
Popular Formats
No-Limit, Pot-Limit, Fixed-Limit, and Tournament play.
Omaha
The Game
Similar to Texas Hold'em but with four hole cards instead of two, and players must use exactly two of their hole cards with three community cards.
Key Differences
- Players receive four private cards instead of two
- Must use exactly two hole cards and three community cards
- Typically played as Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO)
- More action and bigger pots due to more possible hand combinations
Popular Variants
Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), Omaha Hi-Lo (8 or Better).
Seven Card Stud
The Game
A classic poker game that was the most popular form before Texas Hold'em took over. Players receive a combination of face-up and face-down cards.
How to Play
- Each player receives two cards face down and one card face up
- Four more cards are dealt with three face up and one face down
- No community cards - each player has their own individual hand
- Players must make the best 5-card hand from their seven cards
Key Features
More memory-intensive as you need to remember folded cards, typically played as Fixed-Limit.
Five Card Draw
The Game
The classic home poker game where each player receives five private cards and has the opportunity to exchange some for new ones.
How to Play
- Each player receives five private cards
- After the first betting round, players can discard and draw new cards
- Typically 1-3 cards can be exchanged, but rules vary
- Final betting round occurs after the draw
Key Features
Simple to learn, less information available than community card games, often played with antes rather than blinds.
Texas Hold'em Starting Hand Strategy
Your starting hand selection is crucial in Texas Hold'em. Here's a general guide to which hands to play based on your position at the table:
| Hand Type | Examples | Early Position | Middle Position | Late Position | Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Hands |
A
♠
A
A
♥
A
K
♠
K
K
♥
K
|
Raise | Raise | Raise | Raise/Reraise |
| Strong Hands |
A
♠
A
K
♥
K
Q
♠
Q
Q
♥
Q
|
Raise | Raise | Raise | Call/Raise |
| Playable Hands |
A
♠
A
J
♥
J
10
♠
10
10
♥
10
|
Call/Fold | Call/Raise | Raise | Call |
| Marginal Hands |
9
♠
9
8
♥
8
7
♠
7
6
♥
6
|
Fold | Fold/Call | Call/Raise | Call/Fold |
Position Importance
Your position at the table determines how many players act after you. Later positions have more information and can play more hands.
Table Dynamics
Adjust your strategy based on the players at your table. Tight tables allow more stealing, while loose tables require stronger hands.
Poker Strategy & Tips
Fundamental Strategy
Position Play
Your position at the table is one of the most important factors in poker. Play more hands from late position (button, cutoff) and fewer from early position (under the gun).
Starting Hand Selection
Be selective with your starting hands. Premium hands like high pairs and high suited connectors play well from any position, while marginal hands should be played cautiously.
Pot Odds & Implied Odds
Calculate whether calling a bet is profitable based on the current pot size and the likelihood of completing your drawing hand.
Bankroll Management
Only play with money you can afford to lose. A common guideline is to have at least 20-50 buy-ins for the stakes you're playing.
Advanced Concepts
Bluffing & Semi-Bluffing
Bluff when the board texture favors your perceived range. Semi-bluff with drawing hands that can improve to the best hand.
Hand Reading
Put your opponents on ranges of hands based on their actions, position, and betting patterns. Narrow their range as the hand progresses.
Table Image
Be aware of how other players perceive you. Adjust your play based on whether they see you as tight, loose, aggressive, or passive.
Game Theory Optimal (GTO)
Study balanced strategies that are unexploitable in the long run, while also identifying and exploiting your opponents' mistakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Playing too many hands from early position
- Failing to adjust to table dynamics
- Overvaluing weak pairs and suited cards
- Chasing draws without proper pot odds
- Playing on tilt after bad beats
- Bluffing too often or at the wrong times
- Ignoring position when making decisions
- Not paying attention to opponents' tendencies
Poker Probability Calculator
Calculate the probability of improving your hand on the next card or by the river.
Hand & Board Setup
Your Hand
Community Cards
How to Use
Click on empty card slots to select your hand and community cards.
Instructions
- Select your two hole cards
- Select any community cards that are visible
- Click "Calculate Probability" to see your chances
- Results show probability of improving by the next card and by the river
Understanding Probabilities
The calculator estimates your chances based on the number of "outs" - cards that can improve your hand. More outs mean higher probabilities.
Ready to Master Poker?
Use our strategy guides and probability calculator to improve your poker skills and decision-making.