Some players tend to think that offsuits are automatically losing poker hands. However, this is not always the case. While they generally have worse odds than suited cards, you can still win with them if you know how to do it correctly. Here are some tips on how you can play them as winning poker hands:
1. Know When to Play Them
The first and most important tip is to know when to play an offsuit. Many players make the mistake of playing this kind of hand too often, causing them to lose more money than they would if they had just played a different hand. Only play them in specific situations, such as when you are in late position, and there has been little betting activity.
2. Don’t Overplay Them
Once you have decided to play an offsuit hand, you mustn’t overplay it. It means you should not bet too much money on the hand, as there’s a high chance of losing. Instead, you should bet a reasonable amount, given the situation.
3. Be Willing to Fold
This tip applies to any hand, but it’s imperative when you’re playing an offsuit. A typical player’s mistake is playing this hand even when they know they will not win. If you are not getting good cards or making your opponents fold by bluffing, it is best just to fold and wait for a better hand.
Another situation wherein you have to fold your offsuit hand is when other players are betting heavily. It will mean giving up some money, but it is better than losing all your chips.
Remember, you’re not obligated to play the hand you’re given. If the situation isn’t right or you’re not feeling confident, don’t be afraid to fold your hand and wait for a better one.
4. Use Them As A Bluffing Device
Offsuit cards can also be used as a bluffing device. If you bet or raise with them early in a hand, it can sometimes scare your opponents into folding. It is because they will think you have a good hand, even if you don’t. However, you should only use this tactic if you are confident in your ability to bluff, as it can backfire if your opponents call your bet.
5. Read Your Opponents
Awareness of their playing style and betting habits is a general poker rule. However, it becomes even more critical when you are playing offsuits. If you know they tend to fold when faced with a bet or raise, you can use this to your advantage by betting or raising with your offsuit cards. However, if you know they are more likely to call, you should avoid bluffing with your offsuit.
6. Be Patient
Like knowing your opponents, patience is also essential in poker, especially when playing offsuits. Don’t try to force the hand, as this will often lead to losing money. Instead, wait for the right situation before you play this kind of hand.
7. Turn Them To Suited Hands With Community Cards
If you have two offsuit cards, but the flop brings a third card of the same suit as one of your hole cards, you now have a “draw.” For example, if you’re holding a 7 of hearts and an 8 of clubs and the flop is a Jack of hearts, 9 of hearts, and King of diamonds, you have a flush draw. (You need any heart to complete the flush). The odds of flopping a flush are approximately 1 in 118.You’ll need to hit the fourth heart on the turn or river to complete the flush. The poker odds of this happening are approximately 1 in 19.
8. Play It Safe With Aces and Kings
Aces and kings are the two highest cards you can have, so it’s no surprise they’re also the two most dangerous offsuit hole cards. Both aces and kings lose to aces and kings with better kicker cards more often than they win. In other words, an ace-king offsuit is a drawing hand that needs help to become a winning one.
9. Practice Makes Perfect
Finally, remember that practice makes perfect. The more you play offsuits, the better you will become at playing them. It doesn’t mean you should play them all the time, but you should practice with them when the opportunity arises. This way, you’ll learn how to play them correctly.
A great way to practice is through online poker. Take advantage of the ability to play anytime and anywhere, especially at home, and hone your offsuit playing ability. And if you’re looking for one, sign up at GGPoker, the world’s largest poker room. Go up against many online poker players across the globe to sharpen your skills.
10. Understand Their Limits
It is important to remember that offsuits always have worse odds than suited poker card hands. Even if you follow all of the tips above, it will always be likelier that you’ll lose with them. However, by understanding their limits, you’ll know when not to play them.
Don’t Be Upset With Offsuits
Offsuits aren’t exactly lucky cards. Theyโre far from the best poker hands. But poker is a game of skill, so you can still win with them, especially if you follow these tips. And with these same tips, you’ll also know when not to play them. If you can strike that fine balance, then you will be on your way to becoming a successful poker player that knows how and when to play (or not play) these types of hands.
