a) Distribute the Strong Cards:

There will be times your hand will have a very strong chance in winning, for example, when you have a full house and a flush. However always distribute the strong cards evenly. A good 13 Cards strategy is that your front should always, as much as a possible have a pair in front to ensure your maximum probability.

b) Do not concentrate in one section only:

Sometimes when presented with what seems to be a straight forward scenario, for example a flush and two pairs, there is a tendency that you will place the flush at the back and the two pairs in the middle. (see picture B.2, 2 pairs in the middle with 3's and 8's) Not a good move.

The middle with two pairs is already weak so you just have to let go and transfer one of the pairs (normally the smaller pair) to the front. (see picture B.1, small pair 3's in front and a pair of 8's in the middle.)

c) Sacrifice the middle if necessary:

Continuing from b), if your cards are not ideal, you should sacrifice your middle and try to at least have a pair in the front. According to TheCardsKing, the best 13 Cards strategy should be the best combination in the back, at least a pair in the middle and the second highest pair in the front. In this way, you maximize your winning probabilities and might still have a shot in winning two out of three.

d) Special hands are not always the winning one.

If you have a four of a kind; it may look good that you have the option of a bonus group. However, if your front and middle are weak, you could be in danger of losing both and end up losing overall. Bad move says TheCardsKing. (see picture D.2, I put four aces at the back and weak pair of 8's in the middle.)

If it’s possible, you should split the four of a kind to make a full house and try to put a flush or straight in the middle. Strategically, this will be the best play to maximize your odds. (see picture D.1 full house at the back, straight in the middle and quite strong K high on the front)

e) Read other cards through your card.

Always remember that you can use the cards on hand to gauge what are the cards left in the deck and try to read what your opponent’s cards are during play.

f) Always aim for a pair in the front.

Front is usually the tie breaker. That means a pair will always a guarantee that you will always have an upper hand to any high card.

g) How many players are you playing with?

The number of players you are playing with affects the strategies you should be adopting. Consider the following scenario: You have one flush, 2 pairs and a J as a high card.

Playing one on one: If you are playing one on one: In order to try win all 3 points, you can put place a flush on the back, two pairs in the middle and J at the front. (see picture G.1.1, 2 low pairs in the middle and J high card in front.)

More than 3 people:

If you are playing with 3 players: you will need to play a less aggressive game and place the flush at the back, a pair in the middle and the second highest pair in the front instead. (see picture g.2.1)

Always remember you should play it safe by making the front strong when you are playing with 3 other players.

a) Always understand your opponents:

Understand your opponent’s attitude when it comes to arranging the cards - whether he is a safe player or risk taker. This will help you to decide how you place your cards. The most common example is that a risky player does not protect his front but like to place his best cards in the middle and back.

b) Balance:

13 Cards is all about knowing how to balance your cards, both to maximize your win or minimize your losses in case of a bad hand. It’s like balancing your girlfriends. Learn when to give and when to take!

c) Invalid hands:

TheCardsKing reckons If you submit any invalid hands, it as good as scoring an own goal in football. Shame on you! Take a break and rest or go back to learning to play the game better. Before you play any game, the most important thing is to fully understand all the games rules.

d) Don’t force things to happen. :

It won’t happen. There is no happiness if you force as the Chinese saying goes. TheCardsKing shares TheOddsKing firm believe in discipline when it comes to gambling. Managing your expectations and limiting your losses is one of the fundamental aspects of being a good gambler. Read my article here for a comprehensive look at how to control your emotions at the gaming table.

Lastly:

e) Luck is a big part of the game. :

No matter how good a player you are, never discount the fact that luck plays a big role. Respect lady luck. However, it always pays to know the strategy and the best possible hand to maximize your odds. If you are playing online it's always advisable to have 2 different accounts. If one of the accounts is bad luck to you, you can always to change your luck by using another account. This might be gambling superstitious but never discount it.



GOOD LUCK and watch this space for more articles from TheCardsKing.