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cash games, and pot odds are better in tourneys unless someone is going all in.

4. Table image is another important factor when deciding which hands to play. If you have been viewed as a very tight and conservative player, many people are going to think twice about getting into a pot with you. They are going to tend to believe your bluffs more often. On the other hand if you have been loose and reckless then more people will play against you and you will need higher quality hands to win. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. The main thing to keep in mind is to be aware of your image, and then play in the opposite way of what people expect. If they think you are tight then you can win extra hands by loosening up without them knowing it. If you are seen as being loose, then tighten up a bit so when you catch that AA no one believes you! It's all about changing up your game.

5. The last point to make is the table type. Does the table you are at contain several people that are going to call any raise no matter what, or will most everyone fold to any sign of strength? This is important because if you have a strong hand like QQ, you don't want five people in the pot. Your chances of winning are just too small compared to if you were against just one person. On the flip side though, if you are in late position with a hand like 8 6 suited, hitting your hand with a straight or flush can give you a monster pot.

So which hands are the best Texas holdem poker hands? On average I like to play the following hands at most tables...In early position raise with AA, KK, AK, QQ, JJ, 10 10, and sometimes AQ suited. In middle position I will raise with the same hands plus AQ off suit, 99, 88 and maybe AJ suited. I will call raises with all of those hands except maybe AJ suited. In LP and even third to last to act I will raise with all of those hands plus 77, 66, 55, AJ off suit, KQ, A10 suited, and any suited connectors down to 56.

Hopefully this helps make you a better poker player, and wins you lots of money! Good luck!

Learn more about this author, Paul Huxley.
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