Basic Post Flop
Strategy
Post Flop is a major turning point in the game. Here you will decide whether to continue with a hand based on
- Did the flop improved your hand?
- Do I likely have the best hand?
- Does the flop give you some kind of a draw?
- How many players saw the flop?
- Who are they?
- Who if anyone raised preflop?
- How big is the pot?
Big Pairs
If you have a big pair AA- JJ you should continue to bet on the flop. If someone raises you should base your decision on who bet and whether or not there are over cards to your hand on the flop. The more players that see the flop, the higher the chance your hand has become second best and may need to be folded.
Small Pairs and AK
For hands that need improvement like AK or AQ. If you were the raiser preflop and there is only you and two or less opponents on the flop. You should go ahead and continue to bet whether or not your hand has improved. This may not be a bluff since you could easily have the best hand.If your hand has big drawing potential like for a flush or straight should bet and play it aggressively no matter how many players are on the flop.
If you hit a set (three of a kind) with any small pocket pair you will want to get in as much money on this and all betting rounds as possible in order to maximize any profits.If there are three or more players and you hold a little pair (22-77) or two big cards(AK-KJ) and they did not improve on the flop even to the point of a possible straight or flush draw, you should check and then fold. Exceptions to this would be if you hold 77 and the flop was 236. You have an over pair and should continue if the action before the flop did not suggest someone has a bigger pair.
This is a basic overview. There is no easy way to cover every post-flop situation.
Here are links to more specific
Post Flop Strategies for No Limit Holdem
Post Flop Strategies for Limit Holdem
Single Table Tournament Strategy
Highly Recommended for Beginners
Texas Holdem Starting Hands
Texas Holdem Poker Odds
Secrets to Success
More Options
return to Basic Texas Holdem Strategy
|
