Is it better to play a lot of hands or be more selective?

ulisesmero · Aug 13, 2026

For example, if I have AJ in an early position, I might decide to retire because there are still a lot of players left to play. But if I have the same hand in a late position and everyone has passed, I might decide to play it. What would you do in this situation? Would you rather risk more or expect a really strong hand?

Semprini · Aug 13, 2026

Well specifically AJo is a pretty nice hand that I would open UtG, but generally yes myself and the experts agree that early position opening range is MUCH tighter than late position. Take a hand like QTo. Most players are thinking, "Sweet! 2-broadways! Let's go!" but I often fold that UtG.

TheniT · Aug 14, 2026

I prefer to be selective early and more aggressive late. With AJ in early position, I might fold because many players are still behind. In late position, if everyone folds, I would usually raise and play it. The key is to consider position, stack sizes, and the players left, rather than simply playing many hands or waiting for premium hands.

nba2009 · Aug 14, 2026

It’s a real dilemma: being selective can make tournaments a bit boring, whereas playing more often would be entertaining—yet the right approach, regardless of the format, is to be selective.

Semprini · Aug 14, 2026

nba2009 said:
being selective can make tournaments a bit boring, whereas playing more often would be entertaining

There is no excuse for being bored at the poker table. We love the game. It's not boring. If the action is too slow or we are enduring card-deadness, just open a 2nd or 3rd table.

SpanRmonka · Aug 14, 2026

Folding AJo in early position is too tight, but of course the overall point stands, that of course you have to be more selective in the early positions.

The flip side of this is that other players should put you on a tighter range too, and may fold more in later positions

Mohamedkolea · Aug 14, 2026

Try to play with charts like this you cant open or call with garbge habds and good luck

koalapanda · Aug 14, 2026

I completely agree, position is everything. Playing AJo from an early position (UTG) can be fine, but for players who are still learning, it's generally much better to be more selective to avoid getting trapped in difficult spots.

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Is it better to play a lot of hands or be more selective?

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nba2009

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