As an online poker professional and author of "How to Profit Consitently at Online Poker" I recieve many questions regarding online poker. The questions vary but generally are regarding the same subject. Most new players are looking for that magic key to be successfull. They get an idea in there head and believe they must stick to it like its the Holy Grail. There is NO magic Key, but there is a way to profit consitently.

The most popular question I get is "What starting hands should I play?". I hate this question. There is no RIGHT answer. Ask me what starting hand should I play on the button in a no-limit $2-4 game with three callers and I have 300 chips left and I am playing at pacificpoker at the 2-4 table, with players Johnnyaces, 2totheflush and Icallalot, and its 2am...

Then I can give you a better answer! Sorry but thats the truth. There are no hands that I would always play or never play in diferent situations. And don't get me wrong the decision isn't that complex. My point is simply - Starting hands vary based on every situation.

If your main concern is What starting hands should you play than you are in trouble. Because this is not your problem. Your problem is you are under an incorrect impression that playing only certian hands in every situation is a way to win. Its NOT. The way to win is adjusting to each situation and playing based on that.

There are 2 ways to win:
1. Have the best hand
2. Represent the best hand and make everyone fold

So at times if you are in good position, or if there are few callers, or you sense weakness you have to take advantage of that and play hands you normaly may not. And it depends on the game. If you are in a Sit and Go Tournament VS's a 10 person no-limit game your decision will difer also.

So my best advice:
Learn what works, learn yourself and learn your opponents and make your plays based on this information. If you want to be a better player you can, but it takes work. If you decide I only want to play Sit and Go Tournaments or only 10 person no-limit games then observe these games. Watch what the consistent winnners do and watch the mistakes the losers make. Then play, and takes notes of your investments and your profits and your reasons for success or failure. It will make you a better player.