That's not really how poker works. To truly become a master of the card game, you need more strategy than waiting for a hand that makes your heart skip a beat.
What Counts as a Good Hand?
Before going into why a good hand doesn't always mean a positive outcome, it's worth looking at what constitutes a good hand in poker (focusing here on starting hands in Texas Hold 'em).
- Pocket Aces: The absolute best hand to begin with.
- Pocket Kings or Queens
- Pocket Tens or Jacks
- Suited top pairs: Such as Ace-Queen of hearts.
Why Doesn't a Good Hand Always Mean a Good Outcome?
The reason is that there are so many variables. In poker, people can bluff, making you believe they have a better hand than you. Plus, there's the fact that even a good hand initially can quickly turn into a weaker hand as the cards are flipped. The other player who initially had a poor starting hand could get lucky and beat you. You might even end up chasing a loss because you don't want to admit your previously good hand turned into an average one.
What Matters Other than a Good Hand?
Here are some things that truly matter in poker. That isn't to say a good hand means nothing; it just means other factors affect the outcome.
- The Right Setting
A good poker setting can make a real difference. That doesn't necessarily mean you'll have more of a statistical advantage, but you might feel more/less confident in some places compared to others.
If you are choosing an online setting for poker, it's important to choose a reputable one. Video poker at Spin Casino stands out. While you don't play in the traditional way against other players (thus nixing the social play aspects), it's a setting where the house edge is genuinely fair. A mathematical strategy often helps more than knowing how to bluff. Spin Casino offers plenty more too if you find yourself liking the slots over poker.
- Playing the Social Game
If you are playing against real players, a lot of the outcome is based on the social side of the game. Knowing how to bluff can take you a long way with certain hands, even when you are holding something like a 7 and a 2. Keep in mind, though, that bluffing shouldn't be a regular play, as people will start to notice.
- Value of the Pot
Finally, the value of the pot matters. Even if you start Texas Hold 'em with a pair of Kings and another King arises on the flop, that doesn't mean it'll be your best hand of the night. Sure, the chances are you'll take the pot upon the final reveal, but you should also think about how many chips are in the middle, too. You might find you win just a few chips with your best hand, but a massive pot with a weaker hand because of your ability to bluff.
