Know What They Have The most basic skill to getting anywhere in hold'em... The most basic skill to getting anywhere in hold'em is that of being able to read the cards your opponent has hidden. Of course, you'll never be certain, but with knowledge of your opponents, the fundamental strategies of good poker (if your opponents aren't using them, good luck on figuring out what they have--against bad players you must often be satisfied merely playing good, odds-on poker, as it's hard to bluff someone who doesn't know they should fold), and of the game you're in, you can narrow it down pretty well.