The concept of combos is one of the most important when it comes to mastering certain aspects of poker strategy or dynamics. A few lines below we will explain what exactly we are talking about, but we can tell you that it is essential that you know how to count them in order to base your next decision on data, and not just on sensations. Because you already know how this poker thing goes: calculation, probability and data control is what differentiates a correct decision from an unwise one.
What is a combo in poker
Let’s get down to business. The concept of “combo” in poker refers to a combination of cards, which defines the possible hands that a player can link in the game. And knowing how to count them is crucial to understand how the opponent is approaching his game, based on what he can or cannot have. And, therefore, that will influence our decisions and our way of playing, so, as you can see, it is important to have this under control.
To simplify it: poker combos are unique combinations of cards that allow, when read, to assess the relative strength of an opponent’s hand. This, obviously, provides very juicy information for the rival who knows how to read it well, because it allows you to adapt the strategy knowing what to expect.
In poker, a combo is always related to hands. This means that, when counting odds and outs, taking into account the combos of others is going to be important to know that we are doing card counting well.
An experienced player, with enough background and experience to count combos well, will be able to tailor his later decisions based on what he calculates that the opponent has, avoiding ruining his options in a good hand or burning chips without meaning in case of have nothing.
How to count combos in poker
To count combos in poker, these tips may be useful:
- Identify important cards at a glance. You’re going to have to start by analyzing your own cards. Then, you should keep an eye on the community cards. When you have this overview, you will be able to identify which cards are important and which ones you can consider marginal. Being able to spot the important cards at a glance can help you make better decisions in less time.
- Evaluate the marginal cards. You shouldn’t take your eye off the fringe cards. Because, although they are not important for your hand, they can give you important information about the possible usefulness that the opponent can find for you. Do not forget that you do not play only with your cards, but with those of the player in front.
- Group your cards into categories based on hands. Not physically, but figuratively. This will make things easier when counting combos in poker. Establishing a hierarchy between your cards according to the options you have will make it easier to visually manage them to segment the possible hands in your mind.
- Compare the odds. Poker is not played in isolation, and combo counting is no different. Therefore, you should make use of all the data you have collected throughout the game and not throw it away when the round ends. Everything learned is cumulative.
- Practice counting poker combos. Experience and practice is everything in poker, and it is highly recommended that you practice in no-risk games or at club tables if you’re in one to get more comfortable when it comes to counting poker combos.
Combos in poker are important to understand the relative strength and rank of hands. These are combinations of cards that represent the possible hands in the game, which helps to better position yourself tactically during the game.
Although it requires experience, learning to count combos in poker allows you to have a greater margin of victory, giving you an important strategic advantage. Over time, and if you have the knack, just taking a look can quickly calculate the strength of your hands based on possible combos, something that affects both the player’s hands and those of the opponents.
