There are 169 different combinations of starting hands. Without knowing an opponent’s cards, here’s a quick snapshot of the percentage chance of winning based on starting cards. Learning the strength of your starting cards will help distinguish if a player should be in a hand and for how much of an investment. The video above shows four players all possessing top-20 starting hole cards. Knowing win probabilities behind each of the card combinations will ensure a continuous edge for the player. Bet sizing and button strategy are essential to an advanced poker game, but this article will focus on the top starting hands and how to bet them. The best way to check out of the fish zone is to know the top-20 hole cards for a No Limit Texas Hold'em game. Fish can easily be identified by making an incorrect play with respect to the hole cards and table position. From bad starting hole cards to playing too many hands to unusual bet sizing, a fish can make the night for a poker professional.

(See: Darren Rovell's first game at 888poker.)Ī fish is a derogatory term for player who has no clue how to play the game. Based on my personal experiences on a riverboat in Missouri to a Genting card room in the UK, there is always a fish at the table.