How to Handle the Flop

Once you have reached the flop, many players make the mistake of choosing to stay in the round when their cards have little potential, adopting the attitude that since they are already in the round they might as well see it through.  Don’t fall prey to this approach.  Cut your losses and quit while you are still ahead.

For instance, there are certain flops that you should be wary of if you have a good hand such as a high pair.  If the flop is a sequence of numbers such as 9-8-7, the possibility for other players to obtain a straight is highly probable, and you should seriously consider folding if you feel strongly that you will lose.  On the other hand, if you have the opportunity to use the flop to your advantage because you can make trips (three of a kind), a straight or a flush, it’s time to bet or raise your hand.

Often times you will discover that when you are playing Hold’em with as many as 7 players, in most cases it will be a two pair or better hand that will win.  Thus, if it happens that after the flop you don’t have the high pair, and there is no hope for a straight or a flush then its time you thought about folding.  On the other hand, if there are fewer players remaining in a hand, you have a stronger chance of gaining the upper hand.   For instance, if there are only 2 other players at the table, playing aggressively could be a beneficial move.

If it so happens that after the flop you are the first to bet, take advantage of being able to check.  You will find that when you are in this position two bonuses await you – First, if you have a mediocre hand, you may have the opportunity of being able to see one more card without having to give up any extra chips.  Second, if you do happen to have a strong hand, you have the advantage of deceiving other players into possibly believing that your hand is weaker than it really is.