Reading the Board in Poker
Good Hold'em players know how to 'Read the Board', and they know what hands might be lurking out there at the table ready to show themselves and take down the pot. They also know what hands can not be possible, and so they know not to worry defending against them. How can you tell what hands are possible and what ones are not? Here are some simple guidelines to get you started.
The board pairs (see board cards or community cards) - if there is a pair on the board, someone may have a Four-of-a-Kind. If there are no pairs on the board, no one can have a Four-of-a-Kind. A pair on the board also makes a Full House possible. Both of these hands are very strong, so when the board pairs, pay attention as someone may be holding a monster hand.
Three of the one suit on the board is what a player would need for a flush (assuming that player has two of the same suit in his hand). Sometimes when the suited community cards are not particularly impressive (.i.e. no high card), it becomes easy not to register a potential flush in your opponents hands. Remember the value of the cards do not matter when making a flush (unless more than one person holds a flush, in which case the Ace high flush is what you want;) If a player holds AK clubs it is an ace high flush (as in the example above) - this would more than likely be enough to win the hand (unless someone has a monster Full House, Straight flush or better).
Sequence Cards - these cards make a straight possible. If the cards on the board only have two 'holes' in a string of five consecutive cards, someone may be holding those cards and just may have that straight. So, when cards like 9-J-Q show themselves on the board, beware that an opponent may be holding the 'missing' 10-K in their hand to have you dominated. Also take note that K-10 is a very playable hand in Hold'em (see Holdem starting hands) so approach these situations with caution.
Remember you know what cards are in your hand and the cards that are on the board so this should help you begin to work out what cards are left to come and what you cards you need to likely win the hand.
Reading the Board - Questions to Ask Yourself
Is there a pair on the board?
Yes. Both a Four-of-a-Kind and a Full House are possible.
Are there three suited cards on the board?
No. A Flush is not possible.
Are there three Sequence Cards on the board?
Yes. A straight is possible.
Can you use your cards to rule out possible
hands?
Yes. Since if you have one of the K's, no one can have Four-of-a-Kind this hand and so on.
The cards that can make your opponent a possible winner are known as danger cards (or scare cards) and so knowing the danger cards can keep you out of trouble. Remember just because you have the best hand on the flop doesn't mean that you will have it on the turn or river. Be man enough to know when your beat and remember, it's usually less costly to make a bad lay down than a bad call.
Other Relevant Guides
Table position in Low Limit Holdem
The Importance of Seat Position
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