[karen]

One of the most easiest ways to read hands is to find out what your opponent’s actions mean. For example, you see that every time he checks at the flop he has a mediocre hand. But don’t forget that he can change his style.

And it’s not the only one thing that can hinder you from figuring out his hand. The other thing is that you shouldn’t put up your opponent on one specific hand, but on a variety of hands. And then… proceeding from what follows after the community cards are dealt – just eliminate inappropriate hands.

Check the illustration to learn more at:
http://www.launchpoker.com/texas-holdem/tips/-reading-hands-/

[JTingly]

Thanks for the tips karen and the link. But for those who are lazy, theres a more in depth one i found.

Several players take the flop. You are in late position and the action gets checked to you. You bet and several players call before the good player to your right checkraises. He likely does not yet have a hand but is drawing to a flush or open-ended straight.


Analysis
If the preflop betting was such that the good player had no reason to believe that a player to his left would bet the flop, you can likely rule out a big hand because he surely would have bet (from his late position) instead of looking for a checkraise. After all, he could not know with any degree of certainty that you or any other player would do him a favor by betting. Thus, he (most likely) is on a draw. On the other hand, if a player to his left had raised preflop, the checkraise on the flop could mean that he either has a very strong hand or a strong draw.


Action Plan
If you put the good player on a draw, you ought to reraise. Try and get it heads-up with him. He will go on to make his draw only 1 in 3 times (of course, if he has other draws such as overcards or a straight flush draw, he may in fact be favored to beat you). In any event, by limiting the field, you eliminate other ways in which you could be beat (for example, the two pair draws of other players). Furthermore, given that you know that the good player is on a draw, it may be easier for you to release your hand should he go on to hit on the turn or river.

Of course, it is much easier for you to spot a completed flush than a completed straight. One word of caution: a very good player who is in fact on an open-ended straight draw may bet if a flush card hits because he knows that you have put him on a draw. Thus, against a very good player, you may be forced to call even if the flush card comes in if the flop also showed a straight draw. The decision to fold should be easier if the flush card comes in where the flop has no straight draw that a rational player could be hoping to hit.

[karen]

Hmm, nice way of summarizing this thread,
good job, TJ!

[JTingly]

Lol yup no problem, i didnt type up by myself and you probably knew that! I just got it from a site from google after looking at a couple.

[karen]

JT, just be careful that you don't copy word for word or else you might be sued for plagiarism ha ha ha LOL

[JTingly]

Lol, aw man i forgot to put the source, but hey their not going to find out. Not alot of people visits these forums but you never know.

[MHJ]

Both you guys have provided an excellent service for all. You two rock!

[JTingly]

Lol, no problem MHJ, anytime!

[MHJ]

I think you guys are going to get me back into card playing lol

[JTingly]

Aha, where you planning to play? With your friends, online?