The most recent update was on June 24, 2025, at 2:56 PM EDT (Toronto local time). A frequent error, often seen in both novice and seasoned players, is the tendency to overvalue poker hands based on their sequence. Hands that appear to be robust, like having two pairs, a top pair accompanied by a strong kicker, or even an overpair, frequently lead to significant losses. Why is this the case? Many players concentrate solely on the raw power of their cards, overlooking important factors like the board’s dynamics, their opponents’ actions, and the overall flow of the hand. Let’s explore ways to avoid overplaying decent hands that aren’t the strongest and understand how to make better-informed choices. Here’s what we’ll cover. Grasping the Power of Your Hand within the Situation. Hand strength is not a fixed measure. Various factors can transform a robust combination into a weak one. Let’s delve deeper into the reasons behind the distinction between absolute and relative hand strength.