Question:
What if I keep forgetting the order of the hands?
The Value of a Cheat Sheet
When you're first learning how to play poker, it's very important to know the rank of the hands. If you're sitting there with two pair and you think the opponent has a flush and you're flinging chips in the middle as fast as you can, you're going to be in for a sore surprise when you learn the bad news. But at the same time, you can't really ask. So what should you do about it?
When I play with new players, I write down the list: high card, one pair, two pair, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, straight flush. Then they can figure out how good their hand is without the awkward, “So, um, hypothetically, if I had two pair and Susie over here had a flush, would that be good or bad for me?”
Poker Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to play poker for money?
How has technology helped cause the increase in the popularity of poker?
How should I play small pocket pairs in no limit hold ‘em?
Why do pros play such marginal hands on TV?
How should I limit my drunken poker losses?
What happens when someone reveals too early what they’re going to do?
How much faster is online poker than live?
How do you avoid giving tells?
How do you deal with a table coach?
What stakes should I play when I start?
Are other casino games a good idea?
Should I post my blind out of turn or wait?
How does stack size affect play in no limit hold ‘em?
How should you deal with a bad beat?
How should I play a big drawing hand?
Why is position important in Texas hold ‘em?
Does it matter if someone is playing with their chips?
How much money do I need to play one-table tournaments?
How does my opponent’s aggressiveness affect the value of a small pair?
How should I play AK against a raise?
What does it mean to sit out of a tournament?
How should I play near the bubble of a tournament?
Are there spots where you should never fold?
Are deals made at the end of tournaments?
Should you ever pass up a slightly profitable gamble in a tournament?
How should you play when one player is all-in?
Can you define some more terms?
What if I keep forgetting the order of the hands?
How do you make a legal raise in a casino?
What are some nicknames for hands?
What are some more hand nicknames?
Is it ever right to raise a garbage hand after someone calls before the flop?
What does it mean to mix it up?
Why should you ever show your cards?
What are nicknames for non-pairs?
How should hands like KQ be played in limit vs. no limit Texas holdem?
Why would you keep a short stack alive?
When should you bet on the end?
When is it correct to bet on the end?
Is it right to limp big pairs?
What does it mean to put an opponent to the test?
Where’s part three of the glossary ?!
I demand to see more glossary!
How should you play when there are no check-raises?
What’s way ahead way behind mean?
When should I fold KK before the flop?
When is the quality of play worst?
What’s seven-card stud eight-or-better?
What happens if you don’t have enough to call a bet?
What’s the tipping custom at a casino?
What are the nicknames for positions around the table?
What are some things you should know before hosting a home game?
Are weak aces playable in no limit hold ‘em?
Are non-nut draws playable in Omaha?
How does the game change when you’re down to two players?
What if everyone goes all-in before I act in a single table tournament?
Why should you review hand histories?
What should I look for in the hand history?
Should you limp late in a tournament?
When is a time you should fold AA before the flop?
What is some useful poker software?
What happens when a card is exposed?
Should I fold AA on the first hand of a tournament?
How should I play if I have just one chip left?
How do you deal with a frequent raiser?
Do novices players call too much?
How should you play blind vs. blind?
Why is it important to pay attention to my image?
Why is it important to keep track of the flush ace?
Should I always play poker by the book?
Is winning everything in poker?
What should I do when I fold my hand in poker?
Should I play in every round of poker?
How do I choose a table at which to play poker?
Is there a good system to use in poker?
How can I practice my poker skills?
How can I find out if I played a hand the right way?
What is the world championship of poker?
