It’s very simple to make the optimal pre-flop decision. At a 2.2% (of the ante) house edge, the game is very cheap, since your average 4.2 unit bet reduces the house take to 0.5% of your action. With a little experience, you’ll play faster than the dealer. Near-optimal play is very simple, and easy to master. So, to help out the fans of this game, I’m writing this basic strategy tutorial. Many of these mistakes cost 20% or more of the ante, or $1 of $5. Conversely, on the river, people frequently call with a bad kicker. On the flop, people check pairs, waiting to just call on the river. They’re very surprised to see me raise with J8s, or K5o. From what I’ve seen, people are very reluctant to raise pre-flop (4x) without a big pocket pair, or at least Ace + face.
Granted, my site is the first to publish strategy for post-flop play, but I thought that people would instinctively figure it out. I find that people play quite differently from basic strategy. Basic Strategy Card for Ultimate Texas Hold'em.
