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Texas Hold’em is a seven card game

              There is one universal quote heard at every Texas Hold’em game, no matter the limit: “I hate the river.” It is always the river’s fault. However, Texas Hold’em is a seven card game. Many hands are lost on the river; although the same number of hands are also WON on the river. When was the last time someone said: “I love the river!”? In addition, why do we take credit for hands we win on the river, as if it was genius play; however, when we lose it is the river’s fault not ours.

                I think we need to change our perspective. First, we have to remember it is a seven card game. For example, when dealt pocket AA consider there is a possibility that you may lose. Yes, it is the best starting hand; however it is not a guarantee! A lot depends on the game, and how you play the hand; the more people in the hand, the more chance that you may lose.  Often times, a hand like this is lost to a drawing hand like a straight or a flush and it doesn’t get made until the river. Just last night, I was fortunate enough to be dealt pocket AA in a limit game. There were pre-flop raises before me, I re-raised and the betting was capped at each round except the river. The flop displayed two hearts, and the turn paired the board. The river, YEAH, was a blank card and I won the pot. However, looking at the other 4 hands, (there were two all-ins) there were very few blank cards that could hit the board for me to win: 1 player was on nut flush draw, another on a straight draw and two had pocket pairs looking to fill up. I was very lucky!

                Have you ever heard the old adage- Don’t count your chicken’s before they hatch? This is the other problem most players experience. They are ahead on the flop and start thinking that the pot is theirs. Then, if they are still ahead after the turn, they are spending the money. Maybe I will get a table massage with that big pot, or I can go eat at the buffet …. Then, the river spoils all the fun. Don’t think about the pot being your pot – until it is being pushed.

                Finally, try having a positive attitude. This can make a difference. No, it will not change the cards. However, it will most likely change how you play. Instead of cursing the river when you lose, smile and congratulate the winning player. It is good karma. Even if you don’t remember, the river has been good to you in the past- it is just easier to remember the pain.

                See you at the tables….good luck on the river!