The chart below is best used for low limit tables (such as $0,25/0,50) with 8-10 players. Low limit tables often means “loose” players so you can play a few more starting hands. At higher limits the game will be tighter so you should play a bit fewer starting hands as you move up. Please observe that this chart is no absolute truth but more of a starting point. The main purpose is to give you an idea of what hands to play in what position. Be aware that if you play to many starting hands you will quickly loose your money. We recommend you do not play more starting hands than those presented below.   

One last thing. If you often play against the same opponents you should sometimes mix up your play raising or calling with hands that you usually play in a different way (If you intend to call then raise if you intend to raise then call). Thus you don´t give away your hand by always playing the same way. 

Chart definition

The chart consists of six columns.

Position. This indicates where you’re sitting at the table. Early position is the two chairs after the big blind. Middle position is the next three chairs. Late position is the last three chairs.

No of callers. This indicates the number of players that have already entered the pot before you. The more players that have called the better odds you are given to play.

Raised pot. This indicates if the pot has been raised in front of you. If the pot is raised you need a much better hand to play.

Action. This is what you do.

Other. Here we describe certain situations.

Play cards. This column shows what hands you can play. For example AA – TT means all pairs from aces to tens and AKs stands for an ace and king of the same suit.

If you suspect that somebody is trying to steal the blinds you should try to defend them. For this you do not have to hand worthy of calling a raise. Judge your opponent and act accordingly. For example if he will raise with many hands to steal then reraise with a number of hands which you would think would be better than his holding. If he is super tight and never raises then stick with the normal hands you would call a raise with.

(If you have called and someone raises once behind you it´s alright to call this raise. If the pot has been raised twice behind you (usually) need a very good hand to call.)

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