While each poker player has his own betting style and strategy, we all have one thing in common: the desire to get the highest-ranking hand as often as possible.
While the goal is to get a royal flush or straight flush – the top hand combinations – a straight poker hand will also do in a pinch. So, if we're handed personal cards that might create any of these combinations – our confidence levels automatically go up, and we are ready to take more risks as the game progresses.
But is it smart to rely on the potential of your cards at the pre-flop stage? Should you be careful of overvaluing your hand as you play online poker? And what cards should you be most worried about? Let's explore the matter and resolve those issues once and for all.
All You Need to Know About Overvaluing Hands in Poker
What is the first thought that pops into your mind when your pocket cards consist of two consecutive cards? Or better yet, suited connectors (cards that are also of the same suit)?
Most players will see those cards as key components in creating a straight combo, or even a straight flush. And you won't be wrong to think that, but you shouldn't get too excited straight off the bat. Because if you put all your faith into those cards early in the game, you might find yourself raising the stakes too much – and possibly losing big time.
Imagine you have ♥7 and ♠8, or even ♥7 and ♥8. What kind of cards should the flop, turn, or river reveal for you to have the upper hand? The community cards will have to be highly specific for you to win this round, even though your cards show some promise.
In fact, your odds of winning with suited connectors (when the card's value is 10 or less) are no more than 53%. You can't rely on such low odds, so try to refrain from overvaluing your hand at the early stages of the game.
However, don't get too discouraged, as that doesn't mean you're out of the race! If possible, you should check at the pre-flop stage, and reassess the situation once some of the community cards are revealed. After the flop, you will be able to better understand your winning odds, thus deciding whether you should take a risk and raise the stakes or not.
Keep Your Head in the Game and Play Some Poker!
All in all, overvaluing your hand can cause you to lose the game. But if you manage to keep your cool and make calculated decisions, you will be able to overcome this obstacle. Try remaining as objective as possible when encountering consecutive cards, and you might just win!