Analyzing Flop Structure In No-limit Texas Holdem                     

06/26/2007 by Jasmine Elder

When you play Texas holdem, you have to make the best five-card poker hand using your two hole cards and the five community cards on the board. After the flop, five out of the seven cards will be in play. With only two cards left, it’s time to make a decision. Knowing how to analyze flop structure will help you decide how to make the right play.

Are There Suited Cards on the Board?

You need to pay attention to how many suited cards show up on the flop. A rainbow flop is a flop that features three unsuited cards. When you see a flop like this, flush draws become less of a concern. When there are two suited cards on the flop, make a mental note. Try to remember which players at the table enjoy chasing flushes. Think about the first round of betting as well. Did someone raise the stakes pre-flop? If so, it probably scared off all the players who were considering a limp-in with low suited cards. If you think someone is on a drawing hand, bet the pot. See if that person wants to pay for another card. If three suits show up on the flop, you should fold if you don’t have a king or an ace of the same suit. If you do have a high suited card that coordinated with an all-suited board, you need to use instincts and pot odds to determine whether you should continue the hand.

Does the Flop Contain Connectors?

A flop full of connecting cards can be just as dangerous as flush-friendly flop. When you see two or three connecting cards, consider your options carefully. Has the flop helped your hand? If you have an open-ended straight draw, you can probably pay to see another card, if the pot odds favor a call. Gut shot straight draws are a bit more problematic. After a flop full of connectors, if you’ve made top pair, make a decent sized bet. See who’s chasing and who wants to fold. If your initial bet is met with a re-raise, strongly consider laying down your measly pair.

Is the Board Paired?

When the flop features two paired cards, you need to be extra cautious. One moment of false boldness can get you in a lot of trouble. If someone hit trips on the flop, and you try to project strength with a high pair, you’ll likely end up taking a big hit. You don’t have to toss your hand in the muck every time a pair shows up on the flop, but you certainly need to watch your step and closely monitor the actions of your opponents when the board is paired.

If you’re in a hand after the flop, you need to be able to analyze the flop structure and decide whether or not you should fold or continue the hand. Anticipate how your opponents will act. When you in acting from late position, you should take advantage and bet strong after the flop. If your hand doesn’t fit the first three cards, get out. There’s no need to waste your chips in the hopes that extra help will come on the turn and river cards.