I've set these guidlines for myself in order to tighten up since I think my biggest leak (like most players I guess) is chasing and paying off with non-nut hands. If I only enter pots with hands that tend to become the nuts that is less likely to happen. Feedback and comments on the validity of my ideas would be greatly appreciated.


A2x
Any naked A2 from any position, though I'll fold if it is raised infront of me or re-raised behind me. I'll raise if x is another wheel card or there are other nice features, a simple A2s isn't enough though need something else.

A3x
I won't play a naked A3, it needs to be suited or have a feature such as another wheel card or a high pair (TT+) or high suited connectors.

23x
Pretty much same as A3 but a bit harsher conditions. Another wheel card means I play it, but otherwise it needs some excellent high features such as KK suited or such. Won't play it against a raise unless it is 2345 suited. Maybe that isn't playable for a raise either since a raise usually signifies most of the Aces are out? I am unsure about this and it is quite possible I should be folding these more often.

A4
These I just muck unless it is AA4x or suited AND has other features. A45K suited I will probably play if the pot is unraised.

A5
I really don't consider A5 hands playable unless I am on the button AND it is suited AND has something else working for it.

High Hands
If I am going high I don't want ANY cards below T in the hand. If the hand contains only cards T and higher I will play if there is no raise or it is a big multiway pot. I will play hands such as TTQJ and KJTT but not KQQ8. I will sometimes play lower two-pair hands if they are connected and suited, such as 99TT double suited.

Against raises
If the pot is raised infront of me be a non-idiot player I fold everything except A2+ (the + meaning nice features such as wheel cards and being suited or a high pair), I might call with a very hot looking A3 as well as a super hot High hand if there are more callers. If I have an AA hand with av wheel card I usually re-raise to get it heads up so my pair has a chance of coming out on top.

Post flop
If I have a nut low draw I will play it passively (meaning I won't raise but may bet if sobody else does) unless I have a high draw to go with it. If I have a hig/low nut draw, such as the nut low and a nut straight/flush draw or a set, I'll jam the pot. Even more so if I have backup cards for my low. I play most of my nut draws aggressively on the flop (and out of position), even in multiway pots, in order to build a big pot. I usually slow down on the turn unless I improve, my draw gets more outs or I have reason to believe my equity warrants jamming.

Bluffing
Pretty much the only time I bluff is if I have at most two opponents and the draws (especially low draws) didn't get there on the river. I've pretty much given up on stealing blinds since people tend to call you all the way with any kind of draw for high or low.


Does this seem like a reasonable basic strategy for a beginner?

Yes, In EP, if I'm dealt A29J rainbow I fold it without hesitation. I'd do the same with most A27 or A28 hands. I think there's more profit to be made with plenty of other hands out there, I'd rather not be limited by my weak A2 hands.

Granted, you can probably get away with playing them at .5/1, but why start off with bad habits right out of the gate?