Preflop Fundamentals
Learn how starting-hand strength, position and previous action affect your first decision.
Introduction
Preflop is the first betting street. Strong preflop decisions create easier and more profitable situations later in the hand.
Starting-hand strength
Not all two-card combinations have equal value. Premium pairs, strong Broadway cards and suited connected cards generally perform better than weak disconnected holdings.
Position changes your range
A hand that should be folded from early position may be profitable from the Button because fewer players remain to act and you are more likely to have position after the flop.
Open raising
When nobody has entered the pot, entering with a raise is generally stronger than simply calling the Big Blind.
A raise can win the blinds immediately.
It builds the pot with stronger hands.
It gives you initiative after the flop.
Facing previous action
When another player has already raised, you need to reassess your hand. Calling, reraising and folding depend on your cards, position, stack depth and the opponent's likely range.
Key Takeaways
Remember these concepts.
Starting-hand selection matters.
Play tighter from early position.
Late position allows wider ranges.
Previous action must change your decision.
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03
Table & Positions
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05
Flop, Turn & River