That first impression.

Sometimes I get two card and get a strong impression to play them.
Then I start the thinking process, and fold because they are not "good enough to play in this position".

Should I give any thought to following my "first impression".

[RocketManJames]

If you are playing live... wait for your turn pre-flop before you even take a look at your cards. If you are playing online, then yes, you should ignore your first impression.

I think I read an old article once (not sure where) about the players that would look at each card as it came to them (in a live game). And, it was more likely that Ace-Rag would be played if the first card was an Ace instead of the Rag.

First impressions do have an impact on how many of the poorer players will play.

-RMJ