Knowing how to play Texas Holdem is only the first step on the journey to becoming a great poker player. It takes years of practice, a willingness to study the game, the ability to learn from your mistakes, and so much more. Along the way, your poker skills will improve and your game will sharpen. As your knowledge increases, you will begin to recognize situations at the poker table and soon find that your days at the table can put money in your pocket. Now that you have an understanding of the game, we will begin to test your poker savvy. Our last online survey got us underway with the first question of our 4-Part Texas Holdem Quiz. By the end of week 4, you will be able to determine if your poker senses are sharp, or if you need to dust off your poker books for a reread.

The survey question asked:

If the community cards are QJ10JQ of mixed suits, which hole cards would be considered the "nuts"?

With 10 different options to choose from, 62% incorrectly selected QQ. Although QQ is indeed the "nuts," it's not the only hand that would fall into that category. Congratulations to the 9 of the 95 respondents who correctly indicated that the "nuts" would be QQ or QJ. If you don't believe it, try to find a hand that could beat yourQJ hole cards.

When playing Texas Holdem, you need to quickly determine the strength of your hole cards at every point in the hand. Knowing this information will help guide your next move, and give you with the information you need to make the correct decisions at the table.

Part 1 of the Texas Holdem Quiz continues to look at the question: What are the "nuts�" After completing the quiz, scroll to the bottom of the article to find the answers.

QUESTIONS

1. What hole cards would be considered the "nuts" if the community cards were Qd10d2s3s7h?



2. If the community cards are Ks2d10hJd3h, which two hole cards would give you the "nuts"



3. If the community cards are 3s4s9s2sJd, would either As5h or Ah5s be considered the "nuts�"



4. If the community cards are Kd6c5cJc2c, what hole cards would be considered the "nuts" at each point in the hand? Preflop - After the flop - After the turn - After the river. (Keep in mind that the "nuts" may change at each stage of the hand.)



5. What hole cards would be the "nuts" if the community cards are As3cKs4d7h? What cards would give you the second best hand, and what would give you the third best hand?

Click Here for Part 2 of the Quiz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANSWERS

1. QQ



2. AQ



3. No. If you were holding As5h, the best possible hand would be 5s6s. If you were holding Ah5s, the best possible hand would be Ass(s being any spade card).



4. Preflop: AA
   After the flop: KK
   After the turn: Acc (c being any club card)
   After the river: 3c4c



5. The "nuts": 56
   Second Best Hand: 25
   Third Best Hand: AA