Posts Tagged ‘bet’

Unusual Offer

Hello,

Recently I played low-limit in Vegas. In the small blind, I remember everyone folded to me and consequently asked me something. Because I had a playable hand, I was already limping in. The question was actually about my willingness to take our blinds back and play the next hand. Well, the opinion of the dealer then was that it was already too late as I had already called. Your thoughts on this?

By the way, why do you think the big blind offered such considering if I later choose not to take his offer it will look like as if he doesn’t have a strong hand?

Thanks a lot!
Regards,
Daniel
Daniel,

When just the blinds are left, it is not uncommon for the blinds to “chop” the bet and take their blinds back. You are not required to do so however. You may still play your hand.

On Etiquette

Hi,

I’m wondering if you can explain to me the betting etiquette for no limit. Can you? And do you know what makes players mad in casinos with betting? How about the rules with string betting, any idea?

Say player 1 raises 20 chips. Player 2 then calls 20 chips by placing those chips into the pot. He then reaches back after the 20 chips is in, he goes all in.

If in case, I might say (along with some friends) that Player 2′s 20chips in the pot, without saying “raise” and after pulling his hands out of the pot, is a call. But if he later chooses to leave the rest of his chips in, it will be considered as a bet in the dark.

Another thing, if players 1, 2, and 3 are involved in a hand and player 2 drops one of his cards accidentally and player 1 sees it, 1 and 2 now know one of 2′s pocket cards. Do you think player 2 has to flip the card for the rest to see? Your thoughts?

Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Herbie
Herbie,

First, Player two made a string bet. When you make a raise, you must either do it all in one motion or verbally that you’re going to raise. Player 2 just called in that case.

Also, player 2 may not leave his chips out as a dark bet, unless he is first to act the next hand. If he is first to act and wishes to bet dark, he may.

In the case where a card was exposed, yes, he must flip it over for everyone else to see that is in the hand. Show one, show all.

Teamwork Cheating

Hi,

Just recently, I played in a $50 NL tournament held at my friend’s house by which second placer would win back his buy-in and first would take the rest. The tournament was actually composed of 8 players, 4 I personally knew before. I’m not boasting here or what but I believe I was the best player back then but was just eliminated first when my pocket Kings ran into Aces preflop. At some point, game was down to 3 players, a friend and two others I don’t know personally. Much later, it was already a heads up play. One of the two had approximately a 2:1 chip lead. The said guy had not spoken any word since the game started but suddenly exclaimed he wanted to split the pot. I then thought there was something unusual, I suspected for a teamwork cheating. Others also suspected for the same thing. After a while, one of the two suddenly said that he doesn’t like to play heads up and it was his right then to split the pot. He then told the third player that he would be getting his money back.

To me, it really appeared as a teamwork cheating. In fact, they don’t even bet into one another. Well, an argument appeared but not a hostile one.

Any thoughts? What would you consider a teamwork cheating?

Thanks in advance!

Best regards,
Johnny Bekham
Johnny,

This was not cheating. When players get down to two or three players in tournaments, it is not uncommon for a deal to be struck to split the pot. Heads-up poker a lot of times can be more luck than skill, especially with high blinds and cutting a deal helps to offset some of that luck.

I would consider two players colluding if the were sitting there and clearly slow playing each other. Such as someone making a large raise and then folding to a small bet from the other player. Another example would be someone making a big raise, someone going all in for a little more, and the other person folding. Things that look really out of place are usually signs of cheating.

Opponents Getting Mad

Hello,

I was in a certain event the other night. Before the flop, there was no raise and I was in the small blind therefore I called a 8d-4d. Flop then brought Ks-10d-6-d. After a while, my opponent raised a small amount and so I called it. Turn came and brought 7c. He later put me all-in which made me think I already have sufficient outs to call him. Afterwards, I showed my hand and he showed his pair of 10′s. Before he could say anything back then, river came and brought 9h. In the end, I won the pot with the straight. Before we finally called the game over, he said something to me like “How can you call me with an 8 high flush draw?” and I told him I didn’t even need the flush to beat him. Your thoughts on this?

Well, I also got into with this opponent later when he raised me $10 and I came over the top and with an Ace high raised him $40. He then folded and I showed it to him but he said I don’t have to make such act at all. On my part, I did it to let him know I wasn’t afraid to bluff but at some point I don’t know if it’s a bad poker etiquette actually. What do you think?

Thanks in advance!

Regards,
Jason
Jason,

In the first hand, unless the bet on the turn was less than 25% of the pot, you really should not have called that bet. You did not have the odds to draw. You needed to catch a five or your flush to win, but at the turn you had only a 24% chance to win.

It’s not bad etiquette to show your hand, but some people take it as you showing them up or trying to embarrass them.

About Betting Etiquette

Hi,

I have something to ask about betting etiquette. Just the other day, I saw on TV that Daniel Negreanu was on heads up against an amateur. Back then, blind/antes were relatively low. At some point, Daniel placed $600 bet while his opponent went all in with $40,000. After a while, Daniel went on a bit upset due to the all in move. I remember he even said something like “What’s going on here? You move all in against my $800 bet. Last time this other guy raises to $10,000 after a $100 bet.” His opponent then said “Well, that’s poker.” Daniel then answered back with “I don’t know what kind of poker you play, but THAT’S not poker!” Announcers at the event then noticed that Daniel was already a bit frustrated with the amateurs.

Now, because of what I saw on TV, I want to know if there’s any etiquette to be considered when moving all in or else making a huge bet, any idea? Do you think, you can actually make a very huge bet or move all in with lots of money?

Thanks a ton!

Regards,
Andie
Andie,

Daniel’s frustration wasn’t due to any sort of ethical violation. It was due to the fact that players are laying such a huge price. By this I mean, they are raising unrealistic amounts to win a small amount. As Annie Duke said one time, these players that lay these huge prices will only get called by players that can beat them. At this point they are eliminated.

You can bet as much as you want at any time as long as it’s your turn to bet. Just know that when you bet an insane amount to win a little amount, when you get called, you will likely lose.

What’s Next After Knowing the Odds?

Hi,

I’m wondering if what these percentages tell me. In case we use a 4 to the flush after the flop scenario, I have a 36% chance to make my hand. In the event we go all the way by math, my chances aren’t greater than 50%. Do you think if not all, most of my plays should only be when I have greater than 50% to make my hand? Or else if not, then what? Semi-bluff, raise, call or fold? And for me to stay in, how should the pot be?

Thanks in advance!

Best regards,
Tim
Tim,

What should determine whether you stay in the pot or not is the pot odds. The way to determine pot odd is to take the amount of money that you need call a bet and divide it by the amount of the pot before your call. This tells you what percentage your call is to the pot. If the call is less than or equal to the percentage to hit your hand, then you can make the call.

Equations on Pot Odds

Hi,

Thanks for your quick response last time. Now I believe I have already figured out the equivalent to your examples of figuring out pot odds:

The equation for finding pot odds based off the pot value is:
(100 * Bet Amount) / %Chance to Hit < Pot Value

The equation for finding pot odds based off the bet amount is:
(%Chance to Hit * Pot Value) / 100 > Bet Amount

For me, the first equation is easier to calculate than the second but actually works tougher in no limit against limit as bets could be any odd number. Second equation is actually harder to compute however works better in no limit.

Anything to say or comment about my equations? I hope I make sense here.

I’ll be looking forward for your response. Thanks a lot!

Regards,
Tim
Tim,

I am not a math expert, but if this calculation is producing the desired result in your game, by all means use it. Use whatever advantage you can to help your win ethically.

Pot Odds and the Cost to See Fourth Street

Hi,

I actually have two questions to ask but before I lay them down let me first share a bit of myself and my poker experience. Well, I am a beginner who play for small amounts with other couples. For the last 6 months, I’ve played online and lost for many times. The bad beats just actually ended when I started following your advices, tips, etc. Thanks to you!

Now here are my questions:

1. How do you quickly figure how much is in the pot when figuring pot odds? Do you normally keep track of it as you go or just make an estimation when it is already your time to make a move?
2. Say I have Ace 8 h and the flop is queen h 5h 3d. Then my outs are 9 h’s and 3 aces for a total of 12 outs. Later to hit 4th street I have around 24% chance and to the river I have around 48%. At such point, pot size is $100 and for me to stay it will cost me $25 or less. But I wonder, what if it will cost me $75 to stay to see 4th street? Will it be worth it?

Thanks in advance!

Warm regards,
James
James,

1. You need to either track it yourself or get good at estimating the pot size by sight.
   
2. A $75 bet is 42% of the pot. Since you have a 48% chance on the flop to hit your hand by the river, you have odds and should call.

With Losing Hands

Hi,

I’m here to ask this, how will you know you have the best hand? Recently I played online and had KQs. Well, it was a 1$ big blind table. At the position before the button, there were no raises preflop therefore I just raised 1$. Players who were in the hand called. Flop then came and brought 333. Checks all around followed. After a while turn came and brought Q, it then checked all around. River came and was K. It later checked around to me therefore I decided to place 5$ bet. Everyone else then folded except for one player who re-raised me 15$. I then called with the thought that everything was just a bluff. He then showed me K3 off suit and immediately taken down the pot.

Now as I try to analyze things up I can’t afford not to think that I maybe have misplayed the hand. Also, I’ve read in books and websites that “If the pot is laying you 6:1 and your no worse than that to win it, make the call”. But I don’t know how can I ascertain if I’m 6:1 to win the hand or not.

The other day I’ve seen plenty of examples on your odds of making a draw or improving your hand, but I wonder, what if you’re not drawing to the Nuts, how can you tell what your winning odds are?

Please I need your help. Thanks in advance!

Best regards,
Tommy
Tommy,

First, that was a split pot. Both of you had three’s full of kings.

Next to determine whether your worse than 6 to 1 to win, when you 6 to1, you are around 17% to win the hand. If you are on the flop, figure out the number of outs to win the hand. Multiply it by 4. This will give you your percentage to win the hand by the river. If it is greater or equal to 17, then you are better than 6 to 1. On the turn, calculate your outs by 2 to get the percentage. If you are equal or better than 17% to hit your hand, then you are better than 6 to 1.

Texas Holdem Pot Odds

Hi,

Say there are 4 players in a hand and after the flop I’m on the button. Then small blind bets and everyone else calls. Do you think I need to calculate their bets into the pot size? For an instance, pot size $7, 1pl bet $3, 2pl call $3, and 3pl call $3. If in case I have 19% to hit my flush, do you think I have to add up the pot size with the bets behind me to calculate pot odds? If so, will it be 7 + 3 / 3 = 3/10 =30%? How about 16+3/3=3/19 = 15.7%? Your thoughts please.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Many thanks,
Victor
Victor,

You need to include all the money in the pot from all players to calculate your pot odds. It would be Size of Pot/Your call=Percentage of pot. In your case 16/3=.1875 or 18.75%. You can round this up to 19% if you so desire. You have the exact minimum you need to call this bet.

Pot Odds Problems

Hi,

I was in a certain event just last night. I’ve got 8,10 clubs and the flop was 9,J,4 rainbow therefore I flopped the open ender. Then I called $5 to see the turn but don’t hit. After a while, a particular player placed a bet with two others behind me. At such point, pot was $72. I then considered that because I only had 1 card to go, with 8 outs, I had roughly 16% chance of hitting the river and would probably cost me $10 for the $72 pot, 7:1 on my bet. I immediately folded.

I don’t know why but I thought afterwards that if $82 was in and it would cost me $10 to call the river, then that would be 8:1 on my money. If I have the same 16% chance to hit, it seems that it’s just right to call.

For some time now, I’ve been playing and it seems that I’m always drawing whenever I flopped an open ended straight or 4 to the flush, w/out calculating odds. I’m having problems with gutshot sometimes. Well, I understand that if you have a gutshot on the flop you have a 1/11 chance of hitting. But what if you are playing $3/6, how much should be in the pot for you to call $3 for the gutshot? I guess $33. And how about if have 8 outs, does this mean I have a 1/4 chance on the river? When playing in a low limit game, how strongly should implied odds be considered?

Do you think I’m just missing something? I think I should try to read more tips, situational problems, etc.

Thanks for your time.

Warm regards,
Johnny
Johnny,

In your first example, you actually had odds to call. You had a call equal to 13.8% of the pot and a 16% chance to hit your hand. You should have called.

When figuring out pot odds, if your call is a low percentage of the pot than your percentage to hit your hand, then you need to make the call.

As far as calling $3 for a gutshot draw. On the flop there should be at least $19 in the pot for you to call $3.

Implied odds should not be a concern in Limit Holdem. NL holdem is a better use for Implied odds.

Pot Odds Equation

Hi there!

I saw one comment that appeared as:

x = his bet
x/(pot + x) = your % of winning
x/(100 + x) = your % of winning
x/(100 + x) = .48
x = 48 + .48x
.52x = 48
x = 92

With utmost respect, if I may just say, I think this one may be better:

2X/(pot+2X)=your%winning …

Your thoughts? By the way, I don’t mean to offend you. I’m just suggesting.

Thanks!

Best regards,
Frank
Frank,

I personally prefer the 4/2 method of calculating pot odds. It’s the simplest and quickest method to calculate odds. However, if this equation works for you, then by all means use it. Good luck to you.

Being Pot Committed

Hello,

First, I would like to commend you for this wonderful site. It has been a great help to me and to many others as well. Thanks a lot!

Now for my question, how will you know that you are already pot committed? I often hear the line “He had to call the all in bet because he was pot committed”. I’m clueless on this.

Glad to hear from you in no time.

Thanks again!

Regards,
Rafael
Rafael,

Being pot committed means that you have so much money committed to the pot already that it would be a mathematical error to fold to another bet. This is more common in tournaments when someone is facing an all in or facing a big pot short stacked.

With Implied Odds

Hello,

I’m here to ask something about pot odds. Say you are playing in a full table, no limit cash game, with blinds of $0.50/$1.00. Then blinds post and three limpers appear. You check and you discover you have Ks Ts in the button. You call and SB folds while BB checks. Pot at such point is $5. Then flop brings As 2s 5c. BB bets $5 and one limper calls. Pot is now $15. To go on to the turn to get 3-1, it would cost you $5.

Now you have 2-1 to hit by the river, but 4-1 to hit by the turn. If you can ascertain if he wouldn’t bet on the turn then you can use the 2-1 method, but you can use 4-1 instead in case you don’t know such.

Well, for your theory of throwing the hand away because your opponent rates to bet the turn, I think you are missing something. For me, I’d still make the call as when you actually make your flush on the turn, you want your opponent to bet into you. In case I hit it on the turn, then more or less they will bet into me and I’ll probably win lots of money. In case I miss, I can get lost or when they grant me a free card, I can try again to make a flush or else bluff them till they are out. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

All the best,
Joey
Joey,

Personally, on the flop, I am sticking with my odds to determine the call in most cases. In the scenario you presented, you have a 36% chance to hit your flush by the river. If my call is 36% or less of the pot, then I will call. In your scenario, the $5 call is only 33% of the pot. I am making the call here.

On Randomness of Poker Sites

Hello,

First, I’ll start by sharing that I’m just new to poker. I started two months ago and before that I had no experience with poker but had gambled a lot in different ways. I am into no limit and limit.

Just a background, my poker adventure began with friendly game invites from various groups of buddies. And because I had no idea back then as to what I should do when on play, I attached myself to poker sites, books, and the like. Proud to say I was able to understand basic poker concepts, rules, feel, and even strategies. But of course as a starting player I guess it’s just normal that despite of everything, my mind is still clouded with some questions.

Some of the questions are actually below.

1. In a game, who is required to show his hand? And in what order should the hands be shown? In case you fold, I know you don’t have to show your hand, but what if everyone has called the bets?
2. I always here some players moaning about how online poker sites seem to juice the pot to later increase the rake from pot. I also here them say the juicing never happens in real brick and mortar games. Well, I have some thoughts on this, they’re about three-fold.

a. In an online game, the randomness is closer to true randomness than a brick and mortar game as it takes 57 and a half shuffles to finally randomize a deck of cards completely. Similarly, online poker is closer to true randomness than a home game.
b. Trends are more pronounced and the probability for everyone having a good hand at one instance is increased as players play and see more hands online than they actually do in brick and more games.
c. More or less, they are just sore losers and just like the players who claimed cheated or rigged in brick and mortar games.

Any thoughts?

By the way, the card shuffling statistical analysis I made has actually a basis. I took up a statistics course in a certain university so I know I’m capable of making stats.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Dense
Dense,

1. The last player to make an aggressive action (bet or raise) is the first person to show the hand. Only players that have their bet at the river are required to show their hands.
   
2. They are likely just complaining. Online sites such as Full Tilt and Pokerstars don’t need to juice the tables. They have so many players, they can make plenty of money from the normal rake. At any one time, they have 10,000 or more tables going. That’s a lot of rake.

About Overplaying

Hi,

I’m a newbie and I love to play home games, mainly no limit tourneys. I play regularly with almost the same players all the time. At first, it wasn’t a big deal for me to play with almost the same players every week but later on I discovered some problems. One of the most alarming I guess was something about me knowing and mastering the way some players play and not recognizing any other style of play.

When I play, I am the aggressor, usually stealing pots from tight players. At some point, this had made me unsafe and weak to traps. Whenever I raise before the flop, bet out on the flop and get called and make a stab at it on the turn, I usually put lots of money into the pot. And whenever my opponent goes over the top of me, or raises me on the river I first have to check if he has been been trapping me.

Normally, before I act in any game I first check what kind of opponent I have. Does he bluff that much? Does he trap? What type of hands does he play most of the time? Unfortunately, every time I make judgments, I lose. Well, maybe because I often do not follow my instincts.

At some point, I made some realizations. First, don’t overestimate your own skill, but don’t try a check-raise semi-bluff against a player who just started learning. Second, don’t overplay your opponent. Third, get out of the way if you’re playing against a player you know loves to bet big and actually has big hands. And lastly, to determine whether or not you overplayed, assume that the strategy you used to win in the past has to change when playing against the same opponents.

And to somehow make sure you’ll win, always observe, observe, and observe. If you feel your opponents start to learn things about how you play, never wait and see how they would react instead act immediately. Make some adjustments, some changes.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

Warm regards,
Duke
Duke,

You raise a lot of valid points. The main thing I would like to discuss is observing your opponents. Being able to put players on hands will help you a lot in overplaying your hands. Also, there are some times where you will want to overplay your hands, such as if you are trying to push out straight and flush draws.

Of course, in doing so, you need to know if your opponent will actually lay down to being pushed at. Again, it all goes back on reading your opponents.

$2/4 Game

Hi,

I believe you once said that “A $2/4 no limit game is much larger than a $2/4 limit one.” Sorry but I have no idea what’s a $2/4 no limit game. What is it? Well the name implies there’s no limit so why $2/4? I think I know what you’re trying to actually imply however I’m not sure maybe I misunderstood something.

By the way, about the term limits, it implies the maximum and that something less than it can be wagered. For an instance, in a $5/10 limit game, the maximum that can be bet on the turn is $10. So can $5 or $7 be bet instead? Or else the preflop and flop bets should be in $5 increments only and the turn and river bets in $10 increments?

I hope I make sense here. Hope to hear from you soon.

Thanks in advance!

All the best,
Clark
Clark,

A $2-$4 No Limit game is referring to the size of the blinds. The betting is no limit, but the blinds are at $2-$4.

In a limit game, the betting limits are fixed amounts. You can think of Limit Holdem as Fixed Limit Holdem. In a $5-$10 Limit game, the preflop and flop betting is in increments of $5 and the turn and river betting is $10 bets.

Quite Unusual Holdem Tables

Hello,

I believe most casinos in Atlantic City now have holdem tables similar to black jack. What I know is that you have to play against the 2 hole cards of the dealers and there’s an upfront bet you place for your 2 cards. In the event you want to go on to the flop, you must bet again. Same thing for the turn as well as river except the bet is doubled if you want to go on. Later part, dealer will show his cards and of course better hand wins.

In case I play at the tables above, is there any strategy I should apply? What hands should I be playing and how do you think such tables be played?

Many thanks,
Michael
Michael,

You are not playing normal Texas Holdem here. You are playing a table game of Texas Holdem that is setup for the casino to make money similar to blackjack. Basically, you are playing against the dealer only. Unless I have a hand such as AK or AK or AJ, I usually get out the hand if I don’t hit a pair on the flop, unless I have a draw. Also, this game pays bonuses based on certain pocket cards etc.

This is something you can play for fun, but don’t go into this thinking you are playing normal poker. You are not. This is a house game and the advantage is with the house.

First Live Poker

Hello,

Finally I was able to play live poker in a real casino. Supposedly, I’m going to try tourneys but I haven’t found any tourney scheduled therefore I just tried cash game.

I decided to play at Caesar’s Indiana riverboat for I heard before it expanded and has actually modernized its poker room, I wanted to see with my own two eyes the said changes.

First I chose what kind of game. I then chose the cheapest blinds in a no limit, $1/$2. What was quite surprising about their blinds was that they never change or increase. Room has pagers that will inform you when to come back in case you go out to test out other tables.

As expected, you have to wait for your name to be called and then later in case go immediately to the cashier to buy chips. Well, my table then had a min buy-in of $100 and a maximum of $300.

Just an advice then, buy in for the table max. Then do it for three reasons. First, others will notice and will make judgments about your play and eventually may gun for you if in case you show up with less. Second, to win over a typical run of bad cards, losses, etc. you must have sufficient chips right in front of you. Third, maximize your profit in case you get lucky and have a monster hand and later hook someone into a huge clash. Remember that the more chips you have the more you can make eventually.

At some point, I finally sat down at the table with my $300. Dealer then immediately approached me if I want to come in right away or wait for the button then. I decided to wait however something came up. Every half an hour, anyone sitting at the table has to give $6 to Caesar for the honor of playing. I guess it was a some kind of a table tax. To continue, well, I finally started playing. There was one thing I suddenly noticed, there wasn’t much pre-flop raise less than $10, $15 and even $20 was not unusual. Unlike in my home game experience, a typical pre-flop raise is 3-5 times the big blind. After such discovery, I decided to play a little tighter than usual. However, whenever I played a pot, I became aggressive.

Unluckily, for quite a while, my cards sucked. I then tried to be fortunate with suited connectors, low pairs, etc. but then still gradually lost some chips. Then I got JJ, raised while everyone else folded. Finally, I won $3. I was very happy. So at such point I already have a rock image at the table because of my lousy run of cards.

Next hand I had was pocket Ks. I then raised same amount but got three callers. To check if I will later on win or lose, I bet out about 1/3 of the pot. Two players folded. Then I called. Turn came and brought A. I then bet again while he called. River came but of no help. I then checked while he bet big. After a while he showed an Ace. Luckily, I won an all in showdown, doubled up and ended up winning $50 on the day after 5.5 hours.

Any thoughts?

Hope to hear from you soon.

Best regards,
Joe
Joe,

In the hand you called the big bet on, you should have probably folded. They had an apparent pair of Aces and you were beat.

As far as your other play, over it sounded ok, but you were a little card dead. Be careful with suited connector and try to only play them when you can see the flop cheap.

Finally, the $6 fee was a time payment by each player. Chances are they did not pull any rake at this table. If they took the fee and charged a rake, then I would play at this table anymore as you are feeding the casino too much money.

Stats and Hand Grouping Percentages

Hello,

I’m actually here to ask something. Do you have a general catalog of all the hands, which listed hands a player would absolutely fold? I’m referring here to hands that players will fold more often, hands that players will always bet however not necessarily raise, and hands that players will always bet and at the same time raise.

Well, I’m not sure but you more or less raise group 1 hands always. But about the other groups, what do think players should do with them? And should you play hands in groups 6 & 7?

By the way, for the ones below what kind of general percentages would you expect to see? As a fairly new player I don’t know what will you expect aside from:

Saw the flop (90%)
Went to the river (41%)
Folded to a river bet (58%)
Showdowns won (42%)

I love playing online and of course I’m using play money. Just the other day I tried to play at some online $1-$2 tables and unfortunately lost. I must admit I’ve stayed on too many hands to begin with and let myself be trapped while trying to make a hand then.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Vincent
Vincent,

First, you are playing 9 out of 10 hands. You are playing way too many hands. You need to lookup general starting hands or buy a book or DVD about beginning holdem. Strong hands such as Aces, Kings, Queens, Jacks, and A-K suited can be played in most positions for a raise. Medium pairs down to 9’s and A-Q, A-J can be played for a raise from middle position. Other pairs can be played for a raise from late position. In other positions, the hands can be limp hands.

Side Pots and Calls

Hello,

Do you think a player who called the main pot but doesn’t want to play in a side pot can still play for the main pot or else he’s going to be eliminated from both pots?

Say there are four players, player A, player B, player C, and player D. Player A for $50 goes all in. Player B for the same amount calls. Player C raises to $100. Now $50 main pot and $50 side pot. Finally player D folds.

Do you think player B to be able to stay in the game has to call the $50 or he can actually pass on the raise and just play for the main pot? And in your opinion, will it matter in case player B called the original raise which was $50 but later on opted not to call another raise from player C? Any thoughts?

More power!

Many thanks,
Brian
Brian,

One a player goes all in, the remaining players in the hand compete for the side pot, which includes the rights for the main pot. If a player folds to a bet in the side pot, they forfeit their rights to the main pot. They cannot pass on playing for a side pot. They must play it.

With Two Pair

Hi,

Just recently, I was burned five times in a row. All instances has something to do with me flopping two pair on the board. Well, at some instances I flopped bottom pair with no ace and no suits and have slow played.

Now, if its a rainbow flop and you are in front or middle position, how do you go about playing two pair? I badly need to hear your answer/opinion on this.

Many thanks,
Alexander
Alexander,

It depends on the flop and the players. You may want to slow play to extract more money, and you may want to bet out to accomplish the same effect. Also, if there is an overcard to your pair, you may want to be out to avoid someone calling with one pair and pairing the board to counterfeit your two pair.

All for Free Cards

Hi,

What’s the most effective way to say check when you’re in early position heads up or against two opponents? How about when you hit the table indicating you have a pretty strong hand which in turn makes players check behind you so you can then see one or maybe even two free cards?

By the way, what if you’re in the hand and you don’t really have much however you want to see the cards and then they bet big, will you fold?

Thanks in advance.

All the best,
Tristan
Tristan,

The best way to check is to pat the table twice or three times to indicate you are checking.

In regards to your second question, it depends on the hand. Do you have a big hand or a big draw? If you don’t have much in the pot and not much of a hand, you need to fold. If you have a hand, then call.

No Limit Cash Game and Tournament

Hi,

Just recently, I joined a no limit cash game and tournament. Well, I noticed that playing with cash chips is actually far different from playing with tournament chips. I noticed different typical pre-flop raises, different standards on what kinds of hands to bet, raise, or call, etc.

Luckily, I got a feel on good tournament strategy, however it was a different story when about cash games. I wasn’t able to get a feel on good cash game strategy. Any advice?

Your help will be much appreciated!

Thank you.

Regards,
Nick
Nick,

Cash games play a lot differently than tournaments. If a player busts out, they can buy back in. As a result you will see more drawing, and more play with speculative hands. One way you can play is a small ball method. This means seeing a lot of flops cheaply in the hopes to hit the flop hard. When you do hit, you can then punish your opponents.

Raising on the Flop with a Flush Draw to Obtain a Free Card

Hi,

I want to ask something. It’s about raising on the flop with a flush draw to obtain a free card. I’m wondering if you know what’s the logical and sound way to make this play in the event there’s action on the turn. Any thoughts?

Another thing, is the act of raising the flop to obtain a free card the best move when playing against 1 opponent with a made hand? And if a call and a bet appear, what do you think will happen?

Well, in limits things seem clear, but I’m clueless about the things to happen in case you miss on the turn. Is it worth calling a bet on the turn? But how about if they bet with a reasonable amount on the flop?

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Many thanks!

Warm regards,
Leo
Leo,

Raising to get a free card is best to do with one or two opponents only. If they call, they may check on the turn to you. If they don’t, this gives you a better idea of the hand they have. But another thing is that if they call the raise, they may be laying you better odds to draw on the turn to you flush.

On the turn, you have to go by pot odds to determine to draw or not. If you have the proper odds, then call the bet. If you don’t, then fold.

Right Time to Call

Hi there!

I don’t know when is the right time to call. I believe you have an idea on this. Well, for me it appears that only 3 buttons on my computer work, raise, bet and fold. Most of the time, I raise
as I trust my bluff and semi-bluff potential, I bet to test out the water and then raise to obtain useful information or give my opponent a tough time.

As of now, I’m into trouble when I can’t hit the flop. Usually, I end up folding a lot and it seems to me that the only way out is to call more.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Cezar
Cezar,

This depends on your read of the opponent and the texture of the flop. You should be leading out more on the flop when you raise preflop. When you don’t you are telegraphing that you missed the flop and players can take advantage.

Choosing 6 7 Over Pocket Aces

Hello,

One time you said you’d prefer to play with 6,7 than pocket aces. Honestly, I can’t believe you you’d prefer playing with 6,7. Maybe you are into something. Maybe you want others to be worse in playing poker so you can destroy them. Well, if your intention was somewhat like that congratulations as you succeeded. Some players now believe calling a big bet pre-flop is okay with 6,7.

I’m sorry but I don’t mean to offend you or what. I know what you mean by saying you would rather play 6,7 however not everyone will understand what you are trying to imply. Also there’s a great possibility that some players will really choose 6, 7 than poker aces though it will lead them to horrible calls and cost them a lot of money.

Any thoughts?

Regards,
Beeler
Beeler,

I’m wondering if this is being taken out of context with something else. However, I wouldn’t call a big raise with 6-7. Some will in order to try and crack aces. If you are trying to crack aces, 9-10 is a much better ace cracking hand due to the array of straights it can make.

Lots of Questions

Hello,

I have lots of questions to ask. But before I begin, I would like first to congratulate you and thank you for this site which has been so nice and helpful.

Now, my questions are:

1. At the table, any specific actions or mannerisms you keep record of?
2. While in a hand, any questions you ask yourself?
3. Say bottom pair BB check or bet instead?
4. In tourney, when should one go all in or not with short stack?
5. What’s the best or most efficient way to catch a bluff?
6. Say small pocket pair middle position with or without raise before to your seat, what will you do?
7. In the event you’re up as the chip leader, see many pots several pots?

Thanks again and keep up the good work!

Cheers,
Raymond
Raymond,

High Cards in Early Position

Hi,

I’ve been into local free rolls in my place. Well, I play two or three times a week. Most of the time, I face bunch of players with various approaches.

Majority of the players I’ve encountered were loose type thus making it hard for me to steal pots even with a preflop raise and a continuation bet. On the better side, I still can make it to the final table in just almost half the time. There’s just one situation I can never forget.

In early position back then, I had a decent hand, AKs, AK, AQs, AQ. For approximately three times the BB I raised and then got several callers. Flop came but of no help. Later, turn came but of also no help to me, I haven’t made a hand still. At such point, I was in doubts if placing another bet will be a good move.

If you were me, will you place another bet? Well, personally I want to place another one to obtain more info. Also, if I was back in position, how would the situation change? Do you think for free card, I should just check it down to the river and then wait and see if other player place a bet on the river? What do you think?

Hope to hear from you soon.

Many thanks,
John
John,

If you are in position with this hand and raised preflop, you need to bet out on the flop and then if you are still in at the turn, bet out again. You need to take advantage of the position and try to force them out when they show weakness.

Revealing Lost Hand

Hello,

I was in a no limit tournament just recently. It was arranged by some individuals in our place. I remember there were no real rules at all instead just one guy who will act as a “judge”.

In front me was one guy who was really drunk. I saw him picking on one of the ladies several times. Well, the two ended up in a hand together with just a little money in the pot. River came and the lady placed a bet and the drunk guy called her. Guy then revealed his cards and then lady mucked. Guy then was irritated as the lady didn’t showed her cards though she lost.

I was really curious then. I don’t know if one really have to show his or her cards when he or she is called or can he or she muck his or her cards anytime? Is there any rule I need to know?Please I need your help.

Many thanks,
Bude
Bude,

When a player is called at the river, their opponent has the right to see their cards. The player can muck their hand, but their opponent can request the dealer to show the hand.

An Argument About Side Pot

Hi,

I was in a no limit Texas Holdem tournament the other day. Unfortunately, an argument about side pot came up.

There were four players left, player A, player B, player C, and player D. Player A with 1000 first called the 100 in the big blind. Player B with 500 called the 100. Player C with 300 went all in for 300. Player D folded. All figures were in chips.

Later, player A called the additional 200 from the all in bet of player C. Player B followed and also called the additional 200. Flop came with three way action: player A, player B, and player C. Each player had invested 300.

Because he was the first to act after the flop, player A then made a move and then went all in, 700. Well, all of us knew then that player C had a great chance of winning 900 if his hand was the best hand at the table. Also, it was obvious that in the event player B calls the bet of player A, there would be a side pot and that whoever of the two has the best hand would win the side pot at hand. Finally, player A would have the additional 500 he placed in the pot that the other players could not cover as well as the pot from Player 1, Player 2 and Player 3.

Now, what do you think will happen in the event player B folds to the all in bet of player A? Also, in case player B folds after player A goes all in with more chips, do you feel player B can win the original pot against Player A as well as player C?

Personally, if I will be asked, if ever player B has chips left he has to call all his chips off to the bet of player A to win the main pot. In the event he folds, he will not anymore be able to have the pot. On the flip side, my friend insisted that player B should claim the all in bet after the flop of player C as he matched such bet before player A went all in. He argued that player B doesn’t need to put his chips at stake to have the original pot.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

Regards,
Rayner
Rayner,

Once a player goes all in and has multiple callers, the callers then are allowed to bet on the side. They are not just betting on the side, but they are also battling for the rights to the main pot. If player B folds to the all-in bet of player A, he forfeits his rights to the main pot.

Surprising Chips

Hi,

I was in a certain tournament the other week. Near end of the said tournament, after the flop, I placed $10,000 bet. Well, I was raised $30,000 more and so I called. Later, we revealed the cards. Luckily, I won the pot. I then started to count my chips and I’ve discovered I had $38,000 when I was raised. The player who lost said that I didn’t actually raise him all-in, which I know is true. Additionally, the remaining $8,000 could have been into the next round of bidding.

Obviously, the player who lost had so many questions in mind. He totally can’t believe everything.

In the end, we just both agreed that the extra $8,000 will go to him and the $30,000 raise to me. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!

Koch
Koch,

He has no rights to your 8,000 chips there, especially since he lost the hand.

What if I Acted Differently?

Hello,

I’ve been into poker just this year. I guess I’ve been playing for just about 7 months now. Well, as of the moment, I’m more into no limit, mainly online. At times, I also play at the casinos.

Just recently, I was in an online no limit sit and go tourney. A certain hand came up and I think I have misplayed it.

I remember the tourney started with 10 players and with 1500 starting chip amount. Blinds were 10/20 at the beginning but then moved up later. After more than 20 minutes of play, tourney-blinds were 25/50 with 9 players.

At some point, I was in the small blind and was dealt K K, club and diamond. My stack was around $1900. There were three players who limped in, including the button who was the chip leader with around $3,500. He was actually playing aggressive on the post flop, normal preflop.

Later, I raised to four times the blind, thus masking it $200 to go. Flop then came and brought 9 which was a diamond, 7 another diamond, and 5 a heart. Afterwards, I placed $400 bet with a desire to take home the pot with a flush or straight draw on the board. After a while, button re-raised me to $800 and so I place him on one of these hands: nut flush draw (A-x diamonds), top pair strong kicker (A-9), a set (9s, 7,s or 5,s), and straight draw (JT).

I had so many things in mind then but later I chose to go all in. He then flipped over 8 which was a club and 6 which was a spades. Well, turn and river didn’t gave anything good so I was busted out.

Honestly, every time I remember such tourney I don’t feel really bad. However, what if I folded and picked my battles with the other more predictable tight players, could the results have been much better for me? What’s on your thoughts?

Thanks!

Regards,
Carron
Carron,

You pretty much got unlucky in my opinion.

Want to See the Mucked Cards

Hi,

I’m into N/L tournaments with regular schedule 3 times a week. The tournaments are held just near my place. Well, we have a solid player who is known for being one of the best local players. He loves visiting Vegas 3-4 times every year and he runs the said NL tournaments.

Just the other week, I was able to play with the guy I’m talking about. I remember I was the button and he was the small blind. There was another player in the hand and I believe he was the big blind then. I had A9 off-suit and an A flopped. For some reasons, nobody folded. Turn came and was an A. Few seconds passed and they both checked. I placed a bet while he folded (I’m referring to the small blind here). Big blind on the other side called. River came and brought 5. I then made a reasonable, min bet to the big blind. This was actually right after he checked. For three times my bet, he then re-raised me. I called and afterwards waited big blind to flipped his cards over. After few seconds, he showed AJ. I knew then that I lost and so just threw my cards into the muck so that small blind won’t have any idea what my cards were. However, before the next shuffler totally had my cards, small blind said he wanted to see all what I’ve thrown. I fought out that what he wanted was not possible but he insisted that in Vegas seeing mucked cards is possible.

Because the big blind was first in line and was the first one to show, I knew then I don’t have to show my cards. However, he really insisted and then suddenly turned my cards up. Well, I knew then that he got some infos from my cards.

As of now, I’m thinking of the online poker sites that allow any player in the game to see mucked cards after the showdown is complete and cards get mucked that were still in play in the event showdown has taken place. Can you please explain to me what’s going on?

I remember small blind admitted that the infos he got really helped him. Also, he said many players don’t know that they can actually do the same thing, see the mucked cards. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks and great site!

All the best,

Smith
Smith,

Since he called your bet, he has the right to see your cards. When players go to the river and a bet is called, the players at showdown have the right to see the other player’s cards. If you muck, they can request the dealer show the cards and the dealer must show. Your opponent was perfectly within his rights. He paid for the right. If you went to see a movie and paid to see the movie, you would expect to be allowed to see the movie right?

About the Second Place

Hello,

In a recent tourney, something came up. There were three players left and the first two pots were paid. Player A first acted out and placed 500 bet. Player B called the bet, he was then all in. Player C went all in however he has 550. Player A called the extra 50, thus having 100 in a side pot.

Later, player A had a full house, player B two pair and player C had ace high. Player A won the two pots but we were confused then who was the second placer. We thought of player B because of his hand that beaten player C’s hand in the final hand but we also considered player C as he had chips that player B can’t have technically. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Regards,
Coleman
Coleman,

In a tournament when multiple players are eliminated, the eliminated player that had the most chips at the start of the hand gets the superior placing. Since player C started the hand with more chips, he finishes in 2nd.

Reshuffle or Not

Hello,

In a certain tourney, there were two players involved in a particular hand. At the turn, both checked. Player 1 checked at fourth street however player 2 placed a reasonable bet to put player 1 all-in.

Later, dealer thought player 1 folded and so placed the rest of the cards into the muck and then pushed the following cards to the following dealer. Afterwards, player 2 started to have the pot down however player 1 expressed he wanted to call the bet. Well, none of the players had mucked a hand at such point and so two cards were conceived to be still at the top of the pile.

In the end, though no one was totally sure which cards should be dealt, it was agreed to eventually burn and turn over the river card. Player 1 as a result had the winning hand. Because it was already mixed up with the mucked cards of the other players, deck could not be shuffled anymore.

Thanks for your time.

Wiederstein
Wiederstein,

I personally have not come across this situation so I asked help from a friend that is a tournament director for the World Series of Poker. She told me that in the event the deck was mixed up, take the entire muck pile, shuffle it, and then burn and deal out the rest of the hand.

Wrapping Players in Hand

Hello,

I was in a NL holdem tourney just the other day. Before the flop, blinds 25-50. There were 5 players left and were in the hand. Player 1 called for 50. Player 3 followed and acted out of turn, raised to 250. Dealer then came in between and requested player 2 to make a move. Player 2 called. Because of this, player C was then forced to keep his 250 in. Player 4 was next and folded. Afterwards it was player 5, he called 250.

Action was then back to player 1, he called 250 as well. Player 2 then raised to 1400. Then for 6000, player 3 went all in. Suddenly, the action was interrupted with a complaint about players 2 and 3 making some moves to angle some players. Well, we have some rules which went as follows:

1. The action of player 3 stands for 250.
2. Because player 2 is up on a 50 bet, he then has the chance to choose whether he will fold, call, or raise such bet.
3. In the event he chooses to call, he can’t raise anymore in case the bet returns to him at 250.
4. Any player who failed to act out in his turn should treated as player 2.
5. Hence, players 2 and 3 cannot wrap others who are in hand.

We arrived with these rules to protect all of the players. But unexpectedly another complaint appeared. It was about player 2. He disagreed on the idea that he lost his right to wrap all players in hand.

Any thoughts please?

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Del Duca
Del Duca,

The rules in this scenario should have been as follows:

1. Player 3 acted out of turn and raised to 250.
2. Player 2 has the option to act on player 1’s bet. He can call raise or fold the 50 bet.
3. If player 2 calls player 1, then the 250 bet from player 3 is binding. If he raises, then the 250 bet is not binding and player 3 can act on player 2’s bet.
4. Since player 2 did not raise the bet from player 3 stands, and the betting continues as normal.
5. Players that act out of turn should be treated as player 3 was.

The other players may have a valid complaint about player 2 angling, but player 2 was within his rights to just call the bet from player 1. When action came back to player 2, he was within his rights to reraise, as was player 3 to move all in.

On Side Pots and Split Pot

Hi,

I’m curious about the rules regarding side pots. Can you help me? I want to know all the rules. Well, once in a certain event I saw 6 players went all in and 5 winners came back.

Another thing, in some games, whenever 2 players have the same 2 pair, the pot is not given to the player with the highest kicker instead is divided. How come? I don’t totally understand why.

Thank you so much for your time.

All the best,
Musso
Musso,

Often Into Trouble

Hi,

For about 6 months now, I’ve been playing No Limit Texas Holdem. I believe I’ve been a reasonable player however I’m always into trouble particularly when playing under the gun with big hands. I oftentimes use my knowledge specifically on betting but most of the time I fail to use what I know to my own my advantage. Just like recently, in an online NL poker, out of the small blind with KK. Well, everyone called the BB, however I re-raised to go into the flop. Flop came and was actually disturbing then, A, T, 6. I was the first to act and so I placed a bet twice the pot. One of the players folded, others called. Turn came and was another Ace. I thought of placing another huge raise or if not an all in however I don’t want to throw money once again. On the flip side, I never thought of checking to him or placing a small bet as I don’t want to appear weak and the like.

If you were me, what might have you done? Stay aggressive on the turn and then again on the river and accept that I might be paying the other player off well or just check to him and prepare if he eventually opt to raise?

By the way, your site is so helpful. Keep it up!

Regards,
Witter
Witter,

First, on the flop, I would have bet ¾ of the pot, not 200%. ¾ of the pot looks like a value bet, where 200% makes it look like you have a pair under aces. When you were called, you should have checked the turn. It may look weak, but betting will pay off that player that called you with an ace.

Strategy on Isolating an Opponent

Hi,

I was in an online event early this morning. I was in mid position with the largest stack and was dealt AA. For ten times the big blind, first position raised. I thought of isolating him and so I raised him. However, the dealer and the two blinds called my raise, same thing with the original bettor. Flop came and brought JTJ rainbow. Original raiser then placed a bet by which was 3/4 of his stack however didn’t went all in. I then placed him on KK, QQ, or even AT. I then opted to fold as three bettors were waiting and any of them had a J. Others left folded.

Well, I honestly believe that with my position, I was at a major disadvantage and so I wanted to know if you have any strategies in mind about how I should isolate an opponent. At some point, I believe I should have went all in. What do you think?

Thanks a lot and keep up the good work on this site!

Regards,

Corbeil
Corbeil,

I think your fold on the flop was good not because of your position but due to your opponents bet. He bet ¾ of his stack. This looks like someone trying to induce a call or a raise. He probably had A-J or maybe even J-J. I think you made a fantastic fold.

Calling His Re-Raise All In

Hi,

Assume that I called a raise preflop three times the blinds with 4 callers and with 26 suited hearts in a certain game. Flop was Ah 2s 4h. Then a player placed a bet on flop and so I re-raised twice his raise. I got 2 callers. Turn was 8h. Eventually, I was able to hit my flush draw however 2 callers seemed to be present. River came and was 6s. I then placed a bet approximately 200% of the pot so that I’ll look like as if I’ll be stealing the pot. First player then re-raised all in while I called thus making the pot a very big pot. Other player then called.

In the end, first player showed AQ while the other one, QJ suited hearts. The latter one won the pot.

Now, do you think it was a good thing that I called his re-raise all in or I should have just folded when I felt there was something wrong? Any thoughts?

Thank you.

Regards,
Freeman
Freeman,

You should have folded preflop.

Two Different Hands

Hi,

There are two hands I can’t forget. In a $2.5/5 NL holdem, I raised on the button to $20 with A-J. I had three callers, thus making it a multi-way pot. Flop came and brought Q-Q-3. Everybody then checked to me. For some reasons, I then placed $24 bet. The player whom I called “LaBarca” called, everyone else folded. Turn came and brought a K. He then checked. I felt weakness and so wanted to grab the opportunity to win the pot. Later, I placed $40 bet and so he called though with some doubts. By the way, I’m not fond of bluffing.

I remember I already had the T for a straight and an A or a J for a probable winning pair. River came however was a blank and so he checked again. At such point, I started questioning myself, “do I have the heart to fire the third bullet when I really feel it’s the right thing to do?”. After few seconds, I placed another bet, at such point, $80. “LaBarca” called once again.

Finally, showdown came. My opponent flipped A-8 off for no hand and no draw but Ace high and so we just end up dividing the pot with the Q’s and the K being in there.

Now, I don’t know what went wrong. I don’t believe I have expected much. What do you think?

About the next hand I had, A-4 of hearts. Suddenly I limped behind another limper with it. BB and the player on button limp as well while SB folded. We then had the flop four handed, 8-6-3 all hearts.

Eventually, first limper checked while I placed $10 bet. Player on button called while the first limper re-raised to $20. I then called. Player on button re-raised once again to $56 while limper called. I started to think as player on button has flopped a flush as well and the limper has either a set or two pair. Finally, turn came and was a 9c. Limper checked and I followed. For $418, player on button went all in while for approximately $300, limper called all-in.

Later, player on button flipped over Q-9 of hearts for a flush while the limper, 3-3 for a set of 3′s.

So what do you think on how I played the second hand? Well, in general, I have no regrets. Same thing with how I played the first hand. I believe as a student I’ve learned my lesson and has applied each lesson learned so well.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Thanks and nice site!

Antone
Antone,

In regards to the second hand, you played that fantastically. You got to see a flop for cheap and flopped the nuts. You then had two players that were aggressive and were able to take the stacks of both players. The only thing I would recommend doing differently is checking on the flop when you flop the nuts. Let the aggressive player control the betting. While this didn’t matter in the end for this situation, in the future let the aggressive player control the betting. You will usually make more money that way.

On Various Stack Sizes

Hello,

I have some questions to ask. They are actually related to some stuff I’ve come to discover without any intentions.

In some discussion sections, I’ve come to hear about No Limit Texas Holdem being something related to Deep Stack No Limit or extreme short stack No Limit. In the first one, you can actually play a wide variety of starting hands as the implied odds are excellent. The post flop play is also much complex as bluffing is much more helpful and useful. In the second one, position is very vital as a hand like ATo may be an allin hand right after several limpers in the event you are on the button, however in the event you are under the gun, an easy fold. In connection with this, say in a game, suited connectors seem like of no worth as you will never hit your hand enough while pocket pairs are valuable due to their value. Post flop play on the other hand is more on all-ins and folding.

Now, what hands become more or less playable in no limit games with medium stack? Say in a 1/2 game with effective stacks of $100, I’ll call $10 raises heads up with medium and low pocket pairs to try have a set. In case there no callers would appear, I might call a not so high raise but if in case I’m up against a good player I might fold a PP to a raise to avoid a beat. Then say suited connectors’ value is seriously dependent on the aggressiveness of the game and your position as well, earlier, you will most likely fold but later I’ll limp in when there’s a cheap multi-way flop.

On the other hand, high card hands like AK are where my stress level goes up. More or less in deep stack events on a K98 flop, I’ll fold my AK when things get worst. However in short stack events, it would be a different story. In medium stack events, I’ll be right on the fence.

Oftentimes, when I raise $10 preflop, I’ll get one caller and then flop would appear K98. I’ll then bet about $20 and they’ll push their 90$ stack in. In the end, I’ll get irritated. At times, I’ll be tempted to lay down all as I seem to fold more pretty good hands compared to my opponents at the table.

Now, here are my questions:

1. Is there anything I need to adjust when it comes to my pre-flop raising, limping and raise-calling requirements? And because such games tend to be aggressive post flop particularly online, do you think hands as suited connectors go down in terms of value due to lack of odds to draw? Do I need to call generously in late position or else it should be a no-set-no-bet level of tightness? What do you think?

2. In such games, how should I play marginal hands? I believe in deep stack no limit you don’t want to bet your stack but in short stack you will do everything to have your chips in the middle. How about in medium stack?

3. Say somebody is putting pressure on your head as he has something that could beat you or else just know you are playing tight, how would you play? What will be your defense?

4. When you are in position, what are the moves you should use?

   
   

5. Do you think there is a reason for you to semi-bluff with your primary draw in games where everyone overvalues their hands? Or else just stick to calling in the event you have implied odds or the like?

Thanks for your time.

Regards,
Nickerson
Nickerson,

1. As far as your preflop play, I would stick with trying to see flops cheap with a wide array of reasonable hands. Obviously you want to raise with strong hands, but otherwise, try to see a cheap flop and hope to hit it hard. As far as calling a raise, I would tend to stick with stronger hands to call raises, unless there is a lot of action. Then you can widen the range some, but not get too crazy.

   Hands such as suited connectors do go down in value when the betting is very aggressive post flop. If you play suited connectors, make sure that they are on the higher side to give you better odds of hitting top pair or two pair. In late position after the flop, what you call depends on what you are holding and the number of players and the opponent you are playing. Sometimes playing super tight is right. Sometimes it’s right to call. Poker is situational. It depends on what is going on at the time.

2. With marginal hands, I would try and see cheap flops for the ones that I do play. This is a form of small ball poker. Get in cheap and then punish your opponents when you do hit well.

3. One of two things can be done here. Switch to playing small ball and punish him when your hands hit the flop well or play tight and punish him when your big hands hit. Don’t go crazy and randomly raise or play hands that have no value. This will just bleed your stack.

4. In position, I would bet out on the flop when checked to me a little more often. Semi-bluffing is obviously one tool you should use as well. Raising when you have no hand is something I would reserve for players that I deem that are just trying to steal the pot.

5. When players overvalue their hands, I would stick with calling in the event you miss your draw. When you semi-bluff, you still must hit in order to win. If players overvalue their hands, a bluff will not force them off their hands.

I Lost!

Hello,

I was in a 2/4 NL event the other night. Last hand came and I was dealt Kd2d in the big blind. Later, everyone called the big blind.

Flop came and brought 8cKc8d. Small blind then placed a half the pot bet. By the way, he was a total fish and was on mega-tilt having lost about 9 buy-ins. Eventually, I called. A friend of mine followed and also called. Everyone else folded. Turn came and brought Jd. With the shortest stack, small blind then went all in. I then called after considering so many stuff. Last guy followed and also called. River came however of no help to me, no diamonds at all. Afterwards, hoping to scare him off a bit, I then placed what’s left of my stack, as my bet. Later, he called my all in and then showed 7h8s. Small blind had Kh10h.

Well, he won the biggest amount and to be honest I was really upset and disappointed. I know I had some mistakes but I can’t directly pinpoint all of them. Also, I’m wondering, did I make the right decisions in terms of betting or I should have stopped at some point? Any thoughts?

Thanks a lot!

Edwards
Edwards,

Your mistake was staying in after the flop.

About Weak Play

Hi,

I’m just curious, how should people look to utilize weak play in 6-handed high-stakes online games? And is there any difference between an actual value bet and a scared bet on various streets? And in terms of limping, how much is prohibited?

By the way, do you know the various means people go on in continuation betting situations both in and out of position, considering there is and there is no lead? And how significant it is to have a potential of playing from out of position? Any idea?

Thanks in advance!

Sichevsky
Sichevsky,

Limping isn’t usually permitted in higher stakes. Someone is usually going to raise. As far as continuation bet, most of the times players will make a continuation bet if they are the aggressor preflop regardless of position. Playing out of position is seldom a big advantage. Sometimes you can represent a big hand, but it is always better to act in position.

How Do You Find My Play?

Hi,

I joined a cash game at a local card room with blinds 2/3. If I remember it right, there were 7 players then fighting for the pot. Most of the players were really good, they have combined tight and aggressive style of play and have a few hundred to back them up.

At some point, I’m UTG with AQs. I then raised to $9. Folded to button who re-raised to 25$, blinds folded. Consequently, I opted to call as I’ve seen such player checked down several hands earlier part of the game. Pot was $55. Flop came and brought J35 rainbow. I then checked to the raiser while he placed $50 bet. Eventually, I placed him on a steal, AK, or a pocket pair below Jacks. I then called. Pot was $155. Turn came but was a blank. Later, we both checked. River came and was another Jack. I then had some winnings and so placed $125 bet. I thought he would never call with AK or pocket 10s.

At some point, he stood up and then asked me if I have a Jack. I was speechless then. Afterwards he called and then had the pot with his KK.

How do you find my play?

Your help will be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Billy
Billy,

You should have folded on the flop when you missed.

Played With Weakness

Hello,

I was in a no limit event the other day with $4,000 buy-in and blinds 10/20. I had $3,500. At some point, everyone folded to me. When I was on the button, I got Ad 5s and then popped it up to 80. Eventually, small and big blind called. Then flop came and brought 5c 5d 7d. Later, SB and BB checked and so I placed 140$ bet, almost half the pot I believe.

Consequently, SB folded however BB raised to 380$. I then thought he had something weak therefore I tried to slow play. I then called. Turn came and brought 9d. Board then appeared as 5c 5d 7d 9d. Though there was a possibility for a straight and flush, I had Ad and trips therefore I had to fold then. Few seconds after and BB placed 700$ bet while I called.

River came and brought Qc. BB went all in for all my money. I remember I had around 2,200$ and in the pot, 4,800$. Finally, I folded.

In the end, he flipped over 44 and then laughed at me. I don’t know if I played just right. Well, I don’t think doing the slow play then was a bad move. But I believe I should have pushed all-in on turn with my flush draw and then had trips. Another thing, I don’t see how I should call on the river and the only stuff I beat was a bluff. What do you think?

Regards,
Collin
Collin,

At the river, there were lots of hands you could beat other than a bluff. I would have likely made the call with my set, especially since the player had been aggressive the whole way. Of course, I would have raised him at some point. Don’t slow play a set with a straight and flush draw possible.