1. Royal Flush
Ace, king, queen, jack and 10 of the same suit
2. Straight Flush
Five cards of the same suit in consecutive numerical order
3. Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same value with any other card
4. Full House
Three cards of the same value AND two cards of the same value
5. Flush
Five cards of the same suit in any numerical order
6. Straight
Any five cards in consecutive order
7. Three of a Kind
Any three cards of the same value with two cards of different value
8. Two Pairs
Two sets of pairs with any other card
9. Pair
Any two cards of the same value with three cards of different value
10. High Card
If none of the other winning hands are held, the winner is the player with the highest card
1. Playing too many hands
Top players typically play between 20-30% of their starting hands. Concentrate on higher value starting hands and help remove the luck element of the game.
2. Know when to hold'em, and know when to fold'em
Learn how to fold a hand, and don't be a calling machine. Many beginners keep betting regardless of the board or others behaviour. Top players frequently say it's the hands you can lay down that are often the key to profitable play.
3. Choose less skilful opponents
...if you want to win money. Sounds fairly obvious, but you should play at betting limits where you can beat the majority of players. Move down in limits if you are having difficulties winning money. In poker, always leave your ego at the door.
4. Watch your opponents habits
The best time to study is when you have folded so aren't emotionally invested in the hand. You can then make more prudent observations. Watch how opponents bet, how much they bet and in what position are they betting. Learning how your opponents play is key.
5. Betting to gain knowledge
Top players use various betting techniques to try to gain information. For example, a defensive bet is one that you can use early on to avoid calling a bigger future bet. A re-raise may be used to probe the credibility of your opponent's hand.
6. Learn to put your opponents on a hand
Try putting yourself in your opponents shoes, and learn to put them on a hand. Ask questions like "Why did he re-raise me that amount?", and "Why did he only call in the previous betting round?", "Maybe because he only called me, he has a kicker problem?"
7. Learn how to bluff and semi-bluff
Bluffing is often a misunderstood concept, most pros use bluffs sparingly. A bluff can be very effective when used rarely, and where there is a seemingly low risk of being called by your opponent.
8. Changing Gears
The easiest opponent to read is one who plays only the best hands although most pros can also figure out a loose player by waiting for the nuts and being patient. Unpredictability can therefore be vital. By subtly changing your game, you let your opponents know that you can run bluffs and successfully play lower value starting hands.
9. Understand player position
Not only is it important to play strong hands, it is even more important in what position you play them. For example, the ideal position is the Button (the Dealer), as you are last to act, and have the advantage of watching all of the betting action before you need to make a decision.
10. Read books and take notes
Players can always learn more if they want to be a better poker player. Keep notes on what works and doesn't work for you, and eventually you will come up with a style of play that works uniquely for you and improves your game.
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