Alaska Gambling Forum - Poker, Pari-mutuel facilities, Casinos

razor · Joined: 21 Dec 2005 Posts: 7

Hello all I am new to holdem poker and new to these forums.

I have a basic knowledge of playable hands and strategies but I want to add to my knowledge base and become a much better player.

I am wanting to know when to play cards like 109o 89o and 78o or even when they are suited.

I figure 109o is fairly solid in a smallish game with not much action preflop. Maybe playable from the middle or back.

How about 89o and 78o, are these junk in a small game even from the back?

What about in a larger game where there are a lot of calling stations and maniacs? (low limit games)

Thanks in advance for any replys...

lork · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 12

78, 89, 910, suited are ok to play from mid to late position if you are allowed to limp in or see the flop for cheap. I wouldnt play these otherwise even at a small table. Just my 2 cents though

ballen · Joined: 31 Dec 2005 Posts: 8

Actually you'll want to play these at a full or near full table with a lot of callers preflop. With low connectors, you're looking to flop a straight or open-ended draw. This doesn't happen often enough to play them when there isn't much in the pot before the flop.

In late position with a lot of limpers before you (especially at NL), you can call with connectors as low as 4 5 (suited or not). Just be ready to dump them if the flop doesn't hit you.

louis · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 9

I wouldn't play any of those early on, perhaps 10,9 suited if you're on the SB or the call is cheap, but nothing lower. Look for the flush, but watch out for anyone with a high card or you're gone.

Later on in the game, suited cards may be worth a lot more, but again you don't want to be playing low value cards - anyone with anything above yours and a flush hits the deck and you're in trouble and it's down to you to bet your way out of trouble or fold - something a newer player doesn't want to be thinking about doing without more experience.