Join Nathan 'BlackRain79' Williams as he unveils the top five poker hands players often get wrong, costing them money at the tables. Learn to refine your strategy and avoid common pitfalls.
Nathan Williams: Nathan Williams, also known as 'BlackRain79', is a professional poker player with over a decade of experience in the game. He has carved out a niche for himself by mastering small and mid-stakes poker games, which in turn has allowed him to travel around the world for more than 10 years. As a poker coach and strategist, Nathan has taught hundreds of students, sharing his insights and techniques for succeeding in various poker scenarios. He is also a best-selling author, having written books that offer his proven strategies to poker enthusiasts. Nathan's content, which includes both free resources like his poker 'cheat sheet' and comprehensive courses at his Elite Poker Training University, aims to empower players to achieve significant profits and improve their gameplay. His approach to poker combines an understanding of player psychology, strategic board reading, and the mathematical aspects of the game, making him a well-rounded poker mentor.
Playing Ace-Jack Suited: Avoid overvaluing Ace-Jack suited against stronger hands like Ace-King or Ace-Queen, and approach with caution, especially in the presence of strong betting patterns.
Playing Pocket Threes: Recognize the limited value of small pocket pairs like pocket threes when you don't hit a set on the flop, and be prepared to check-fold in unfavorable situations.
Playing Ace-Three Suited: Leverage the strong potential of Ace-Three suited by aiming for big hands and using it as a bluff catcher rather than aggressively playing for top pair.
Playing Seven-Six Suited: Understand the value of Seven-Six suited in deep stack games and seek combo draws, while avoiding overcommitting with just a top pair.
Playing Pocket Queens: Be cautious when an Ace or King appears on the flop with pocket queens, and consider the tightness of the opponent and the three-bet pot dynamics before proceeding.
Common Mistakes with Specific Poker Hands: Nathan Williams identifies five poker hands that players frequently misplay, potentially leading to financial losses.
Ace-Jack Suited: Advises caution when playing Ace-Jack suited, warning of its weaker standing against hands like Ace-King or Ace-Queen, even if suited.
Pocket Threes: Recommends playing small pocket pairs like threes conservatively unless hitting a set on the flop, often suggesting a check-fold strategy otherwise.
Ace-Three Suited: Emphasizes the importance of playing Ace-Three suited cautiously, reserving big pot commitments for when the hand hits the flop strongly, like making the nut flush or two pair.
Seven-Six Suited: Highlights the potential of Seven-Six suited in deep stack games to make hidden straights or flushes, but cautions against overcommitting when hits on the flop are marginal.
Pocket Queens: Discusses the nuances of playing pocket queens, including the high likelihood of an ace or king appearing on the flop and the importance of understanding three-bet pots, player types, and board texture.
Player Types and Decision Making: Touches on different player types, such as tight-aggressive and recreational players, and how their behavior should influence decision-making.
Strategic Advice: Provides strategic advice on various hands and situations, including when to check-call or fold and how to maximize value from different hand types.
Educational Resources: Mentions his own poker training materials, such as videos and the Black Rain 79 Elite Poker Training University, for players seeking to improve their game.
This article is a summary of the video 5 Poker Hands EVERYONE Plays Wrong! (Fix This Now) by BlackRain79Poker published on June 12, 2023 at 14:38:29.
Q: How should I play Ace-Jack suited in poker? A: Ace-Jack suited is a good hand, but it should be played cautiously, especially when facing big action that could indicate opponents hold stronger hands like Ace-King or Ace-Queen. Use it as a bluff catcher and consider check-calling in many situations.
Q: What's the best strategy for playing small pocket pairs like pocket threes? A: Small pocket pairs have great potential when you hit a set, but remember that you'll only hit your set roughly 12% of the time on the flop. If you don't hit your set, be prepared to check-fold, especially against significant bets.
Q: How do I approach hand selection and assess the flop texture? A: Choose hands with good potential and learn to read the flop texture carefully. Avoid overplaying hands when you only make a small connection with the flop, and be more aggressive when you hit a strong draw or well-hidden strong hands.
Q: What are some tips for reading the board and assessing hand potential? A: Understand the relative strength of your hand by considering the possible combinations your opponents could have. Don't overvalue top pair with a weak kicker and look for opportunities to realize the full potential of suited connectors or other drawing hands.
Q: How can I better adapt my play to different player types? A: Study the playing styles and tendencies of your opponents. Adjust your strategy based on whether they are aggressive, tight, or passive. Use this knowledge to decide when to fold, call, or raise, depending on the situation and opponent type.
Q: What should I consider when sizing my bets and trying to control the pot? A: Bet sizing is crucial for pot control. Avoid building a large pot with marginal hands and size your bets based on the strength of your hand, the texture of the board, and your opponents' likely holdings and responses.
Q: How can I maintain emotional control when playing strong starting hands like pocket queens? A: Recognize that even strong starting hands can be outmatched post-flop. Stay disciplined and be willing to fold if the board or your opponents' actions suggest you're beaten, especially when overcards like aces or kings appear.