No-Limit Texas Hold'em Tips (Part II)

  • If you pick up a big hand in late position and the pot has already been raised, just call if you believe you will be heads-up. Should you flop a monster like trip aces just check-call for more profit and then raise on the turn.

    • Example: You have pocket sixes in the cut off seat. Three players have limped into the pot Just call; do not raise. If the flop does not have a six, you're finished with it. Even if the flop is all baby cards, you do not call a bet. Minimize your loses.

  • Pairs from deuces to tens should be played for as little investment as possible pre-flop. If you are at a conservative table, go ahead and limp to see the flop, and then remember, no set, no bet.
  • Never play ace-little (ace with a card less than an 8) suited or unsuited in front position. If you bet and someone behind you raises, you're between a rode and a hard place. If they have an ace, his kicker is probably bigger than yours. If you check and he bets, you have the same dilemma.
  • It is okay to play ace-x (ace-little) suited in late position if the pot has not been raised. With everyone acting before it is your turn, you have more information. If an ace flops and it is checked to you, your ace is probably good, but if it is check-raised, minimize your losses.
  • However, if there is a big bet you can get away from the hand with a minimal investment. If the flop brings two of your suit, you can decide whether or not to take the fourth card by the action in front of you. If checked, good, you get a free card; if bet, it will depend on the amount of the bet for you to make your decision.
  • You will have to fold many hands from early position but you can raise with these very hands from late position when no one has opened the pot. Example: 10-K, J-Q, A-X, J-K, 10-1.
  • Drawing to make a hand in no limit is very different from drawing to the same hands in limit. In limit you would rarely fold a four straight or a four flush especially if your draw is to the nuts. But in no limit drawing could cost you all of your chips.
  • Calling a bet with a drawing hand, a flush draw or a straight draw also depends on pot odds. (We will get into pot odds in the advanced study of this game).
  • The time to consider such draws in no limit is in multi-way pots where you can draw relatively inexpensively—but only if you are drawing to the nuts. It's even sweeter when you are drawing to the nuts and have a pair.

    • Example: You are in late position with a 10-J. The flop canes 4-K-Q, rainbow (different suits). You are drawing to an ace for the nut straight or to a nine. The turn brings a 10 so now you have a pair and a good draw. The odds have turned more and more in your favor.

  • In no do not commit half your chips to the pot unless you are willing to commit all of your chips. In other words, don't overbet your hand.
  • Try never to go all-in on a call. You want to be the one putting on the pressure. If you go all-in, it should be your bet, raise or a reraise - put the pressure on them!
  • This is a perfect example of how important it is to know your players. If the player who raised you is a rode, you know you must fold. If he is a bully you might decide to reraise.