We begin today with 1,336 remaining starting hands that comprise 1,279 profitable hands-those averaging a net win of a dollar or more-43 that are marginally profitable, those with net wins under a dollar, and 14 unprofitable hands. When we began with 11,995 unique starting hands our goal was to develop a set of rules that would eliminate all the 10,061 unprofitable hands, and as many marginally profitable hands as possible.
I developed this total of 64 rules based on each hand's average net win, which is defined as the average amount won or lost by each starting hand in each position at a full table, played by a tight player in a tight game.
For the benefit of those new to this series, and because it appears in several rules today, here is a brief explanation of L2L, 2HM and 2HL. A hand that is suited L2L has the two low cards suited to each other. 2HL defines a hand where the second highest card is suited to the lowest card. 2HM is when the second highest card is suited to the card above the rank of the lowest card. An ace is always counted as low.
Rule 59-Except for pairs, eliminate any starting hand that begins with A-3-7 or A-3-6 that is suited L2L, 2HM or 2HL and does not end with a king. This rule contains only one exception. A king when combined with these three low suited cards is the only high card that allows the hand to be profitable. This rule eliminates 27 hands, bringing the total for this group down to 1,336 from the initial 2,777. This rule eliminates two marginally profitable hands and 25 that are unprofitable, leaving us with just 14 unprofitable hands to deal with.
Rule 60-Eliminate any starting hand that begins with A-3-5, ends with an eight thru ten, and is suited L2L, 2HL or 2HM. This rule shows how three otherwise good low cards can turn against you when combined with a mid-range card, and how they are suited plays a key role. Remember, we always want the two high cards suited to the two low cards, or suited to the low card in single suited hands. This rule eliminates six starting hands, four marginal, and two unprofitable hands.
Rule 61-Eliminate any starting hand that begins with an A-3-4 and ends with an eight that is suited L2L, 2HL or 2HM. A-3-4 is obviously a better low forming hand then A-3-5. This allows a seven or a ten to become profitable when combined with A-3-4, but it is not enough to raise an eight into profitability. This rule eliminates three hands, all of which are unprofitable. Only nine unprofitable hands remain.
For the next rule we'll revisit A-5 and concentrate on the few starting hands that slipped through the rules. We will look at hands of the specific pattern A-5-x-T, where the x may be replaced by any card.
Rule 62-Eliminate any hand beginning with A-5 and ends with a single ten regardless of how suited. The one exception is A-5-T-T. The pair of tens makes the hand profitable. This rule eliminates six starting hands-four marginally profitable and two that are unprofitable. Remember that the "x" may be replaced with five through nine.
Rule 63-Eliminate A-3-8-9 starting hands when suited H2L, H2H or H2M. A number of starting hands were eliminated because they ended with a nine or contained an eight and a nine, but this group escaped elimination.
We are now left with 1,318 starting hands and only the A-2 to deal with.
Next time we'll conclude with the last rule, which deals with hands that begin with A-2. Yes, there are starting hands containing an A-2 that are unprofitable. I will also summarize this series and present the starting hand charts.
Those of you who are awaiting my book, please send me an email with the word "book" in the subject line, and you'll be placed on the mailing list.
So what have we learned? Even when holding three good low cards your starting hand may not be profitable when suited in certain way or contains a bandit. Lastly, here are some more terms from my poker glossary-
Fill Up-To fill up is to make a full house.
Final Table-The final table in a tournament is the last table of player which may consist of 10 or fewer persons.
First Position-Is also referred to as under the gun, and is the first person to act in the first round of betting. In hold 'em, it is the first person left of the blinds.
Fish-A fish is an unskilled player who is also known as a live-one or pigeon. To fish is to call with a weak hand hoping to catch and inside straight or other long shot hand.
Five-handed-Usually heard when a card room is attempting to start a new game or one is close to breaking up. A player may say "I will play five handed." Meaning, I will start or continue to play with five players at the table.
Five-way-A five-way pot or five way action has five players contesting the outcome.
Fixed-Limit-As opposed to pot-limit or no-limit games it has fixed denominated betting and raising limits for each round of betting that are set at the onset of the game.
Flag-A term used to denote a high denomination chip, usually $5,000 or larger.
Fancy Play-This is an action, checking, betting or raising in a situation where normal play would dictate otherwise in an attempt to deceive your opponents.
Sam Mudaro, BA, MBA, is a practicing tax accountant and financial executive with 35 years of analytical business expertise. He uses simulation software to analyze and develop strategies for Omaha/8 and other forms of poker. Reach Sam at: realguru2003@yahoo.com.
