Poker Winning Systems #1

Don't hold four cards of an inside straight, an inside straight is one, where the possible straight can be completed only one way. An outside straight is one that can be completed in two ways and so is twice as likely. The exception to this rule is an ace-high straight.

Dont hold three cards of a straight except for -K-Q-J.

Don't hold three cards for a flush - do not hold three cards of the same suit unless it is also a potential straight flush.

Don't hold a kicker with any pair or with three of a kind - a kicker is a single high card - J, Q, K, A - that has the potential to turn into a winning pair.

What those words mean:

Fold
You fold when the cards that yoz hold are so lousy that to remain in the game would spell certain doom. At this point, you have no further monetary commitment to the hand, your cards are never revealed.

Call
In order to call, you are requied to contribute the equivalent amount of chips as the other players since your last bet. The player to the left of the dealer has the ability to "check" because the value of the pot has not yet been established. This is applicable on the first round of betting.

Raise
Similar to a call except this time you get to increase the value of your bet when the chance to do so arises since the last time you bet. This is a good strategy if you fel that you have a strong hand or want to see who's - bluffing - and who isn't. There is generally a maximum limit that you can raise per round.

The player with the highest hand value wins the pot. But before this can happen, all players are requied to either fold or call during that particular round of betting. Now, if someone was to raise during the round, then we are requied to start all over again. When the cycle is finally complete, all the players must reveal their cards.