$Poker Variants
Intermediate

Ultimate Texas Hold'em

Complete Advantage Play Strategy Guide

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Poker Variants

Quick Stats

Expected Edge

0.53% house edge

Bankroll Required

Medium ($1,500-2,500)

Time to Learn

2-3 weeks

Additional Metrics

house Edge
0.53%
element Of Risk
0.02%
trips Side Bet Edge
3.5%

Overview

The most popular poker-based table game. Play against the dealer, not other players. With optimal strategy, the house edge is quite low making it playable for entertainment or comps.

Strategy

Learn the three decision points: 4x raise pre-flop with premium hands, 2x raise after flop with good hands or draws, 1x raise on river with any winner. The pre-flop 4x raising strategy captures the most value. Memorize the ranges.

What to Look For

  • Standard pay table (500-1 for royal flush)
  • Trips side bet occasionally +EV with promotions
  • Lower table minimums for variance management
  • Good comp rates (treated like a table game)

Risks & Considerations

  • High variance even with optimal play
  • Easy to make costly strategy errors
  • Trips side bet usually has high house edge
  • Can't fold after seeing flop without losing blind

Pro Tip

Always start with proper bankroll management. Even with an edge, variance can be brutal. Never risk more than 1-2% of your total bankroll on a single session, and ensure you have at least 20-30 buy-ins for your chosen stakes.

Ultimate Texas Hold'em Strategy

Pre-Flop: 4x Raise Strategy

Raise 4x with:

  • Any Pair (22+)
  • Ace with any kicker (A2+)
  • King with 5+ kicker (K5+)
  • Queen with 8+ kicker (Q8+)
  • Jack with 10+ kicker (JT+)
  • Suited connectors: Any suited cards where high card minus low card ≤ 5

After Flop: 2x Raise Strategy

Raise 2x with:

  • Any made hand (pair or better)
  • Two pair on board with a good kicker
  • 4-card flush draw
  • Open-ended straight draw (8 outs)
  • Hidden pair (hole cards made pair)

After River: 1x Raise Strategy

Raise 1x with:

  • Any hand that beats the board
  • Hidden pair or better
  • When dealer has ≤ 21 outs to beat you

Tip: If you can't beat the board and dealer has many outs, fold to minimize loss

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