No limit Texas hold’em is a complex game that requires a variety of strategies and decisions on every turn of a card. Each distinct betting round - from pre-flop to the flop, turn and river - requires thought and adjustments in order to make the proper decisions. And in Texas Holdem online, you’re decisions are solely based on betting and flop structure and not physical tells.

Some of today’s players found on various poker sites are afraid of the flop. They would be all too happy to end the hand pre-flop when they are dealt a pair, especially a high one. However to be a long-term successful player at no limit Texas hold’em you really do learn have to play flops. Part of learning to play flops is learning to analyze the structure of the flop.

Holdem Flop Structure

The structure or texture of the flop is how likely the flop is to have hit certain types of hands. A flop of 8s 6c 3h is what is called a ragged flop. It has no suited, connecting or high cards and is unlikely to have hit anybody. These types of flops are highly favorable for pocket pairs. A scary flop structure is something like Th Jh Js. This flop is likely to give anyone with a pair of tens or a single jack the lead, and has likely straight and flush draws. Pocket pairs need to proceed very carefully against this type of flop.

Analyzing the Holdem Flop Structure

When examining a flop, you generally want to consider how suited and connected it is, that is, how likely it is to have hit someone going for a straight or flush. You’ll also want to take into account the fact that the board is paired, if in fact it is.

Using the Holdem Flop to Make Good Poker Decisions

When looking at flop structure you are trying to figure out how likely it is that the flop has created play for your opponents, and how likely it is that you can represent a good hand based on the flop. For example, if you decided to mix up your game and lead out with 8s 6s suited and got two callers behind you, a flop of As 9h 3c is actually a good structure for you. If you bet and neither of your opponents have an ace, they will in all likelihood fold. If the flop comes 7d 9d Tc this is a good but dangerous flop structure. You have flopped a straight and it is unlikely that anyone has a higher one although it is possible. However, any diamond and a variety of middle cards can come that can create a hand that beats you. Therefore the texture of this flop suggests you play your straight fast, betting right away. On the other hand, a flop that hits you with a low, unsuited structure like 4d 5h 7s is much safer to slowplay, as it is extremely unlikely to have hit anyone else very hard and there are fewer scary turn cards that can come.

Understanding flop structure is just one of many important poker ideas you must know to succeed in no limit Texas hold’em. However once you have mastered understanding flop structure you will have a great edge on your less skilled opponents.