Board

The board refers to the community cards dealt face-up in the middle of the table, shared by all players to make their best possible five-card hand. In Texas Hold'em, the board consists of five cards dealt in three stages: the flop (three cards), the turn (one card), and the river (one card).

Board Textures

  • Dry: Few drawing possibilities, unconnected cards
  • Wet: Many straight and flush possibilities
  • Static: Unlikely to change hand strengths
  • Dynamic: Many cards can change hand rankings

Common Board Types

  • Paired: Contains at least one pair
  • Monotone: All cards same suit
  • Connected: Cards in sequential order
  • Rainbow: All cards different suits

Strategic Implications

  • Dry Boards:
    • Favor made hands
    • Less bluffing opportunities
    • Easier to play out of position
    • Value bets more effective
  • Wet Boards:
    • Favor aggressive play
    • More bluffing opportunities
    • Position more important
    • Pot control more difficult

Example Board Types

Dry Board: A♠K♦2♣ - Few draws, mostly high-card and pair hands

Wet Board: 9♥8♥7♣ - Many straight and flush possibilities

Static Board: A♠K♦2♣ - Most turn cards won't significantly change hand values

Dynamic Board: J♥T♥9♥ - Many cards can complete draws or change hand rankings

Reading the Board

  • Potential Hands: What hands are possible?
  • Range Impact: Who does this board help?
  • Turn/River Planning: What cards change things?
  • Bluffing Opportunities: Good spots to represent?

Common Mistakes

  • Ignoring board texture in bet sizing
  • Not adjusting to changing textures
  • Missing obvious draws
  • Overvaluing hands on dangerous boards

Understanding board texture is crucial for poker success. It affects every decision from bet sizing to bluffing frequency, and helps determine whether to play aggressively or cautiously. Always consider how the board interacts with both your range and your opponent's range when making decisions.