Four Key Factors in Evaluating Whether to Play a Hand

Deciding whether to play a hand requires seeing your situation clearly and being able to define it objectively. Think Joe Friday in Dragnet   “Just the facts, Ma’am” is the right approach. Separate the facts from your personal evaluation. Weigh all your pros and cons. Don’t let your emotions get in the way. Specifically, consider these four factors:

1. Stack depth (both yours and that of your opponents)
2. Your table position
3. The betting action so far
4. Your opponent’s profile (personality)

You can play a wider range when your stack is deeper, you are in position, and your opponents have been passive. If you are short-stacked, out of position, and there is an aggressive player behind you…it’s time to fold that 6♥-2♥