Learn Texas Holdem

What is ABC poker? Poker players use the term "ABC" to refer to poker played "by the numbers," that is, with little deception. Instead of trying fancy bluffs and check-raises, ABC players tend to play in a straightforward fashion. They bet when they have a hand, they check or fold when they do not. Experienced players tend to look down upon this style of play, feeling that it is not only not creative, but that it makes these players easier to read and hence much easier to beat. However, in a fixed-limit hold'em situation, it is important for beginner to examine the merits of ABC play.

ABC Poker Helps Avoid Fancy Play Syndrome

Mike Caro used the term "fancy play syndrome" to refer to a phenomenon where a player tries a more exotic play than is necessary to extract maximum value from a hand, the result being that the player either gains the same result he would have gained through direct play or that he loses money he shouldn't have lost by trying something fancy. Playing an ABC style helps prevent this from happening.

Limit Texas Hold'em is Much More About Mathematics than Information

Getting information and giving misleading information is much more important in no-limit Hold'em than in limit Hold'em. In fixed-limit Hold'em, an opponent who is curious about whether or not you are bluffing can always call you down for usually no more than the cost of a single fixed bet. Since the amount you can win from an opponent on a particular hand is fixed, plays like setting up bluffs and establishing a deceptive table image have limited utility. Figuring out when you are beaten and when you have your opponent beaten and betting or folding accordingly is much more likely to lead to success in fixed-limit hold'em than is any kind of deception.

You've Got to Know the Rules Before You Can Break Them

If you are new to limit Texas Hold'em, limiting yourself to premium hands and only betting when they hit is a great way to start. Sure some opponents may catch on and bet every time you check, but that will only cost you money the few times that running free cards would have made your hand. Eventually when you get a feel for the game you will probably decide to mix up your play a bit, but having a solid grounding in direct play will often provide you with the best winning chance as a beginner, especially in the lower limit games where opponents tend to be weaker.