When you're just starting out in poker, it's important to understand which hands are worth playing and which ones you should avoid.
Playing too many hands is one of the most common mistakes made by beginner poker players. It's crucial to be selective and only play hands that have a good chance of winning. Here are some poker hands you should never play:
1. Weak Offsuit Hands
Hands like 72o, 85o, and J9o are known as weak offsuit hands. They have little potential to improve into a strong hand and are unlikely to win the pot. Avoid playing these hands, especially from early position.
2. Low Pocket Pairs
While pocket pairs can be profitable, low pocket pairs like 22-66 are difficult to play effectively. They are vulnerable to overcards on the flop and are often dominated by higher pocket pairs. It's generally best to fold these hands unless you have a good reason to play them.
3. Unsuited Connectors
Hands like 78o, T9o, and JTo are known as unsuited connectors. They have some potential to make a straight, but they are often dominated by higher connectors or suited hands. Avoid playing these hands unless you have a good reason to do so.
4. High Card Hands
Hands like KTo, QJo, and JTs are known as high card hands. They have some potential to make a strong hand, but they are often dominated by higher hands. Avoid playing these hands unless you have a good reason to do so.
5. Suited Connectors
While suited connectors like 78s, T9s, and JTs can be profitable, they require careful play and good position. Avoid playing these hands from early position or if you have a weak stack.
6. Hands with Negative Implied Odds
Some hands have negative implied odds, meaning that if you hit your hand, you are likely to lose a lot of money. Examples include hands like 72o, 85o, and J9o. Avoid playing these hands unless you have a good reason to do so.
Remember, the key to winning at poker is to play a tight range of hands and avoid playing too many hands. By focusing on playing strong hands and avoiding the hands listed above, you can improve your chances of winning and minimize your losses. As you gain more experience, you can start to play a wider range of hands, but always be selective and avoid playing hands that have little chance of winning.
