The First Street (Preflop)

Preflop is one of the most critical streets in poker, especially in games like Texas Hold 'em. Here's why it's so important:

Anchor

- preflop is the most frequent decision in poker
- only put money in the pot, when you want to put money in the pot

1. Foundation of the Hand

• Hand Selection: Preflop decisions often set the stage for the entire hand.
• Position Awareness: Understanding your position relative to the dealer is crucial. Being in later positions gives you an informational advantage.

2. Setting the Narrative

• Control the Pot Size: Your preflop actions—whether you raise, call, or fold—help control the pot size.
• Table Image: Consistent preflop behavior contributes to your table image. If you're frequently raising, opponents may start viewing you as aggressive or correspondingly view you as passive or balanced.

3. Defining Opponent Ranges

• Reading Opponents: Preflop actions provide valuable information about your opponents' possible holdings. For example, suppose an opponent raises from an early position. In that case, they likely have a strong hand, while a raise from the button might indicate a broader range.
• Exploitative Play: Understanding opponents' preflop tendencies allows you to exploit their weaknesses. If you notice a player consistently folding to 3-bets, you can increase your frequency of re-raises against them.

4. Pot Odds and Equity

• Mathematical Foundation: Over time, making the correct mathematical decisions preflop will greatly influence your profitability.

5. Avoiding Trouble Spots

• Prevention of Marginal Situations: Playing correct preflop strategies reduces the likelihood of finding yourself in tricky, marginal situations post-flop. Preflop is where discipline comes into play; staying disciplined and sticking to your ranges helps prevent costly mistakes.

In summary, preflop is where you lay the groundwork for the hand. Making solid and disciplined decisions at this stage helps you avoid pitfalls, control the action, and set yourself up for success on later streets. It's the first step in a series of strategic decisions that ultimately determine whether you win or lose a hand.