Most people have no starting preflop hold’em technique; they would sit at a poker table trying to play rapidly as feasible with out being aware of their surroundings and whom they are playing with. This is a common mistake most poker players make. Prior to jumping into the action and start gambling like maniac with your pockets, take into account the following preflop technique.
Variety of Gamblers: Is your table a full or brief handed (6 gamblers or less) game? Having a full table of 9 or ten gamblers, it is likely someone’s holding a strong hand or overcards (AA, King-King, AK, Ace-Queen, etc) that may easily beat your hand. Also, the chances of someone else’s hole cards fitting the flop will be much better. You need to take this into consideration, and wager on your hand as cautious as possible. But ahead of acquiring into the action contemplate the next important point…
Kind of Competitors: As described in Session Two of IDing your opponents, the most vital information you can obtain is how your opponents bet on and change to their style of play. Usually, I would sit at a table and not play for the initial 5 minutes; I let the button and blinds pass me once before I start jumping in, unless I pick up a nice hand like AA, King-King, Ace-Queen, etc. Following IDing who are weak and strong opponents, I then begin picking up pots off the weak players. But just before I commence hammering with wagers and take those pots, I like to contemplate the next significant point…
Your place: Place is incredibly significant, as I will explain in lesson 4. Players in late position or last to act (preferably on the dealer button) have a great advantage than those acting before. Players acting last can view the action happening before them and also have the ability to effect the size of the pot. At times, your position may be much more valuable than the cards you hold.
Stack Size: A player with a big stack dominates his competitors and can discourage or drive competitors out of the pot and fold, giving them the fear of becoming annihilated. On the other hand, watch out for players with short stacks. If they are still in a pot, they are usually all in at several point or another.