Posts Tagged ‘starting hands’

Hand Percentages

Hi,

For once I used the 2/4 rule about post-flop percentages and it really helped me. But now I want to know if there is a short-cut way to calculate winning percentages pre-flop, what do you think?

Just recently I discovered that there are instances that multiplying your outs by 8 works. However at times, it seems not to work that much. For example, when you have a pocket pair vs. an over- and under-card (QQ vs. AJ). Well, I understand that there are some factors to consider first. For the most part, percentages are usually close. Your thoughts please.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Thanks!

Best regards,
Chester
Chester,

Invest in an odds calculator or create a chart to memorize preflop odds. Preflop is less about calculating odds as it is picking strong starting hands in proper position. If you need odds calculations to determine to play a particular starting hand, then you should probably fold.

Hands in Holdem

Hi,

I remember that in one of your Q&A articles your last sentence was something about the possible two-card hands (starting hands in holdem), which for you equaled to 2,652. I’m sorry but I believe it should be 1,326, 2,652 should be divided by 2. Well I honestly can’t remember why it should be divided by 2 but I think it’s correct. Also, it can be supported by some facts or realities like the odds of getting pocket aces which is 220 to 1 and the 6 possible combination of pocket aces divided by 1,326 possible hands = 0.45249% or 220 to 1.

My intention for this is not to offend you but instead to just share what I think can be a great help. I’m still your fan.

Many thanks,
Janz
Janz,

I’m not sure which article you are referring but there are 1,326 possible card combinations in Holdem. (52 × 51)/2 = 1,326 would be the calculation.

Stats and Hand Grouping Percentages

Hello,

I’m actually here to ask something. Do you have a general catalog of all the hands, which listed hands a player would absolutely fold? I’m referring here to hands that players will fold more often, hands that players will always bet however not necessarily raise, and hands that players will always bet and at the same time raise.

Well, I’m not sure but you more or less raise group 1 hands always. But about the other groups, what do think players should do with them? And should you play hands in groups 6 & 7?

By the way, for the ones below what kind of general percentages would you expect to see? As a fairly new player I don’t know what will you expect aside from:

Saw the flop (90%)
Went to the river (41%)
Folded to a river bet (58%)
Showdowns won (42%)

I love playing online and of course I’m using play money. Just the other day I tried to play at some online $1-$2 tables and unfortunately lost. I must admit I’ve stayed on too many hands to begin with and let myself be trapped while trying to make a hand then.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Vincent
Vincent,

First, you are playing 9 out of 10 hands. You are playing way too many hands. You need to lookup general starting hands or buy a book or DVD about beginning holdem. Strong hands such as Aces, Kings, Queens, Jacks, and A-K suited can be played in most positions for a raise. Medium pairs down to 9’s and A-Q, A-J can be played for a raise from middle position. Other pairs can be played for a raise from late position. In other positions, the hands can be limp hands.