5 beginner poker hands reviewed: what went wrong and why
These five hands are based on situations beginners send us all the time. Each one shows a common mistake and a better line. Stakes: $0.05/$0.10 cash, 100bb stacks.
Hand 1: K-J offsuit facing a 3-bet
Section titled “Hand 1: K-J offsuit facing a 3-bet”You open K♣ J♦ from the hijack. A tight player on the button 3-bets. You call out of position, flop K-8-4, check-call, turn 2, check-call, river 7, check-call. He shows A-K.
What went wrong: against a tight 3-bettor, K-J offsuit is dominated by A-K and K-Q, and you’re out of position. Better: fold preflop. See facing a 3-bet and domination.
Hand 2: slow-playing a set on a wet board
Section titled “Hand 2: slow-playing a set on a wet board”You call with 7♠ 7♥ and flop 9♥ 8♥ 7♣. You just call the c-bet. The turn is the J♥; now flushes and straights beat you.
Better: raise the flop. On wet boards, strong hands should build the pot before draws arrive. See slow play and wet boards.
Hand 3: bluffing a calling station
Section titled “Hand 3: bluffing a calling station”A player has called every street all session. You miss your draw and bet the river big. He calls with second pair.
Better: give up. Bluffs need opponents who fold. See calling stations and giving up a bluff.
Hand 4: overvaluing top pair
Section titled “Hand 4: overvaluing top pair”You raise A♦ 10♠, flop A-7-3. You bet, get raised, then call a big turn bet and a river shove from a passive player. He shows A-7.
Better: against a passive player’s raise and two more big bets, one pair is usually beaten. Fold the turn or river. See facing a check-raise and bluff catchers.
Hand 5: limping small pairs
Section titled “Hand 5: limping small pairs”You limp 3♦ 3♣ under the gun. Two players limp behind, the button raises, the blinds call. You call and miss.
Better: in early position, raise or fold. Limping invites raises you can’t call profitably. See limping and small pocket pairs.
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Should I call a 3-bet with K-J offsuit?
Section titled “Should I call a 3-bet with K-J offsuit?”Usually not against a tight player out of position; it is often dominated by A-K and K-Q.
Should I slow-play a set on a wet board?
Section titled “Should I slow-play a set on a wet board?”Usually not. Raise to build the pot before flush and straight cards arrive.
Should I fold top pair to big aggression?
Section titled “Should I fold top pair to big aggression?”Often yes against passive players who raise and keep betting big.
Can I get my hands reviewed?
Section titled “Can I get my hands reviewed?”Yes. Send us a hand on Telegram or WhatsApp.