There are also their own characteristic features in their use. Marginal cards – such as “small” pairs or “small” cards of the same suit, as well as cards of medium denomination, but with a large internal gap (gaps), will be played well and can be strengthened with the right choice of actions.

It is believed that head-to-head play is the most appropriate circumstance to play a Marginal hand. But the first stages of the tournament are considered unsuitable for this action, since there are still too many opponents and it would be better to fold and wait for more successful cards.

How do marginal maps differ from trash ones?

Now let’s try to understand how exactly marginal cards differ from the so-called “trash” or “trash cards”. The players consider the following hands to be the weakest and, accordingly, garbage cards, where the cards have different suits and a large internal gap, for example: two and six, two and seven, two and eight, or even two and a king, as well as three and eight. There are also sets of deuces and nines, threes and nines, fours and nines – they are considered a little stronger due to the presence of nines in them, in the event that a Pair is obtained. In such circumstances, successful enhancements are too rare.

But the marginal cards, weak at first glance, still have a chance to be strengthened. These include the following sets:

  • Two cards of the same suit, especially in optimal proximity to each other. They can be nine and eight, ten and nine, and so on. This hand has the potential to improve to a straight or flush.
  • Also, under the definition of Marginal, Pairs can be safely attributed, namely, small and medium (at par) their variations, such as: two and two, six and six, and the like. They have a chance to strengthen up to a three (set) or perform as a Para.
  • Marginal two cards of different suits, but going in order are considered a middle hand, if their value is too low, then it is better not to risk it, and in the case of a good value of cards – let’s say a ten of spades and a jack of diamonds, you can count on a straight or a good version of the top pair …

How marginal cards are played

When playing a marginal hand, the pros advise against doing it too often, not only can it greatly reduce your bankroll, but it also increases the risk of being caught by your opponents.

At the same time, if you decide to play not only your strong hands, but periodically rely on the strengthening of the Marginal ones, then in the eyes of your opponents you will become a less understandable player, and this, in turn, will give you weight during the game. So the professionals recommend that you periodically bring your Marginal cards to the moment of showdown.

You should also take into account your position at the poker table – the most suitable situation is a party in which there are few players at the table, and you are in the last “place”.

And another specific strategy for playing a marginal hand is playing under a familiar opponent. That is, you are not just familiar with the person you are playing against, but you probably already know his style of play, behavior at the table and are confident that he will reach the showdown and may even put all-in.

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