Texas Holdem: Post Flop Play Essentials

It is true that the play before the flop is crucial in Texas Holdem, but more important than that is the post flop. The fact is that most of the action, and the bigger money, will happen on the flop, so it is best if you know the ways to play that aspect of the game.

One of the most important things that you will want to do when playing at the post flop in Texas Holdem is to make sure that you are holding playable hands. By this you should not just look at the value of the hands that you are holding, but also check the board if it helped your opponents or not.

A lot of times, Texas Holdem players simply fold their hands when they miss the flop, and a lot of times, this is the correct approach. However, there are times when you may be holding a marginal hand at the flop, but you should also look at your opponents. If all you have is an A9 but the flop is low and no one raises, then you probably have the best hand.

By the same token, your Texas Holdem strategy should determine if you are in danger of holding the second best hand. If you hold Q6 and the flop gives you a QA7, consider the situation carefully. You got pocket Queens, but someone could have the AA, not to mention a flush draw possibility.

If you are holding high pair (QQ up) and with a good kicker (9 up) you will be in a good position to bet hard and take control of the game. Depending on the table, you can make a raise at this point, and try to take the pot, although some will slow play it and try to get more money by playing the turn.

If you flop a set or two pair in Texas Holdem, then you are pretty certain to hold the best hand, and you should check call here. This is important as it is very unlikely that there will be anything on the turn or river that weaken your hand. If your hands are suited, you will also have the inside track to the flush draw.

The post flop is where most Texas Holdem games, online or live, are won or lost. You need to be conscious of this fact all the time. Too many are fixated at the starting hands and the action before the flop. Let them play that way, and by focusing on the post flop action, you will win a lot of pots.