Hold’em Poker : Semi-Bluffing and Defensive Betting
Seems like most folks are always talking about pre-flop system, so I wanted to speak a bit about how I play soon after the flop. Maybe I can aid others, or perhaps they have advice to enhance my play.
I feel that 2 of the most crucial plays after the flop are the semi-bluff and the defensive wager. Which is because these are the plays you produce when you havent hit a hand except you’ve a fine drawing hand. Its easy to play a hand when you flop a monster. But I consider that these 2 are the ideal methods to bet on a drawing. Each one is bet depending on you opponent(s) and your postion. So here is how I bet on it, so tell me what you think.
Early Position – Tight Competitors:
A semi-bluff works fairly well in this position. Are available out wagering and if a tight gambler did not hit a hand he’ll most likely lay down, and if he is unsure you may obtain a call. Except watch out, if that tight player comes back over the top it may be time to obtain away.
Early Position – Loose Competitors
It is were I like to accomplish a defensive wager. Come to a decision how several chips you’re willing to risk on your draw and bet. This really is usually a much smaller bet than regular. It has been my understanding that the loose player will usually just call a wager instead of re-raise. Even so, should you check to them, theyre additional likely to throw in far more chips than your willing to pay.
Late Position – Tight Opponents
This can be the greatest time to perform a semi-bluff, particularly if most of the table checks. If that’s the case you’ll probaly pick up the pot now. If a gambler before has wager, you have to determine if he has a hand or not. If not, then reraise and he will probably go away since he was attempting to steal the pot. In the event you imagine he does, well then it is time to calculate your odds, and determine if the pot odds are worth the call.
Late Placement – Loose Opponents
This one is often a bit complicated, because it is tougher to put a loose gambler on a hand. And if your in late position against loose gambler, chances are they’ve already wager. That is had been I usually decide to take a chance and arrive back more than the top of them and hope they do not call, and if they do, effectively then its time to wager. Odds are although even a loose gambler will go away if you arrive back strong enough.
Remember although that these are moves I only make after the flop comes and I have a respectable drawing hand (usually not a gutshot either). Perhaps 4 to the flush or the open ended straight, for instance.