The First Two Cards

The one area of hold 'em play where many strict guidelines
can be given is on the first two cards. This is because the number
ofpossible combinations is not that great. However, this does not
mean that every hand should be played the same way every time,
or that playing the first two cards is easy. You occasionally should
play a hand differently not only for the sake of variation, but also
depending on whether the game is loose or tight, or passive or
aggressive. Expert players must be fooled more often than poor
ones. But even if poor players always have a good idea of exactly
where you are, you will lose some of your edge.
Also, how loose and passive the game is can make a
significant difference. Some hands that are not usually profitable
to play become significant money winners if your opponents are
non-aggressive. The opposite is also true. Hands that are normally
worth a play should be discarded if a couple of very aggressive
players are in the game, particularly if these players know what
they are doing.
In addition, how well you play is very important. As your
judgment improves, you should be able to play a few more hands
than these guidelines suggest. But don't go overboard with this
concept. Always remember tight, aggressive play will get the
money. This is true no matter what you may observe in the short
run. Sometimes you will see bad players taking down pot after
pot. In the short run their play can look teriific, but in the long run
this type of play does not get the money.
And finally, before we get started, keep in mind that hold 'em
is a game that can easily cause you to go "on tilt." For instance, a
hand like



can be very tempting to play, even from an early position,
especially if you are losing.
A unique aspect of hold 'em is that hands you don't play can
sometimes be frustrating because the board is always the same
whether you play or not. There will be occasions when you would
have made a strong hand had you not thrown away your cards. Do
not let this affect you. Even though any two cards can win,
random holdings don't win often enough to be profitable.