Dominant Defense
poker online hands are ranked according to strength, so stronger hands dominate weaker ones. Domination occurs when two players hold a card of the same rank, such as Aces, but one holds a higher ranked kicker - for instance a Queen vs. Jack. In this case the Ace-Queen hand is dominant. Some pocket hands look strong but are actually easily dominated. These are the pokerhands that are best to raise with or fold. When you are dealt this type of hand, consider your position. If you are in late position or first to enter the pot, then raise. However, if a raise comes out ahead of you, slow down and consider that your hand could be easily dominated. Your Ace-Jack suddenly doesn’t look so strong against an opponent holding A-K. When you are holding an easily dominated hand, it is best to fold to any raise ahead of you. Hands that can be dominated are chip losers in the long run. Many online poker players can’t get away from these types of hands and wind up wasting their chips chasing after cards. Be vigilant about hands that are easily dominated. Look for opportunities to play them cheaply and be willing to let them go when a big raise comes out or when the flop misses your hand. If you are thinking about playing you’re A-J in that situation, then think about how it feels when you lose to A-K.
