Hand Selection

Hand Selection is a fundamental concept in poker that refers to the process of deciding which hands to play and which to fold before seeing the flop. Proper hand selection is crucial because it affects your chances of winning and helps you control the variance in the game. The best players often have a disciplined approach to choosing hands, considering factors such as position, opponents' tendencies, and the specific game type. For example, a strong starting hand in early position might be different from one in late position due to the increased number of players yet to act. Knowing which hands are profitable to play under certain conditions is key to becoming a successful poker player. Poor hand selection, such as frequently playing weak hands, can lead to consistent losses. Understanding hand selection also involves adjusting your choices based on the dynamics at the table, such as whether your opponents are tight or loose players.