04.15
Texas Holdem Poker : Semi-Bluffing and Defensive Betting
Seems like most folks are constantly talking about pre-flop strategy, so I wanted to talk a bit about how I wager on soon after the flop. Perhaps I can help others, or perhaps they’ve got advice to improve my play.
I believe that two of the most critical plays immediately after the flop are the semi-bluff and the defensive bet. Which is because these are the plays you generate once you havent hit a hand except you might have a excellent drawing hand. Its easy to bet on a hand whenever you flop a monster. But I consider that these 2 are the greatest techniques to bet on a drawing. Each one is wagered depending on you competition(s) and your postion. So here is how I play it, so tell me what you think.
Early Position – Tight Competitors:
A semi-bluff works fairly properly in this position. Appear out betting and if a tight player didn’t hit a hand he’ll most likely lay down, and if he’s unsure you might have a call. But watch out, if that tight player comes back more than the top it may perhaps be time to get away.
Early Location – Loose Competitors
It is were I like to accomplish a defensive bet. Come to a decision how a lot of chips you’re willing to risk on your draw and wager. It is usually a much lower bet than normal. It’s been my encounter that the loose gambler will usually just call a wager rather than re-raise. Nonetheless, if you check to them, theyre more likely to throw in far more chips than your willing to pay.
Late Place – Tight Competitors
It is the best time to complete a semi-bluff, specially if most of the table checks. If that is the case you will probaly pick up the pot now. If a player before has bet, you’ve got to decide 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. When you imagine he does, nicely then it’s time to determine your odds, and choose if the pot odds are worth the call.
Late Position – Loose Opponents
This one is a bit complicated, simply because it is more difficult to put a loose player on a hand. And if your in late placement against loose player, odds are they have already bet. This is were I usually come to a decision to take a chance and come back more than the best of them and pray they do not call, and if they do, properly then its time to wager. Chances are although even a loose gambler will go away should you arrive back strong enough.
Remember though that these are moves I only produce immediately after the flop comes and I have a reasonable drawing hand (usually not a gutshot either). Possibly four to the flush or the open ended straight, for instance.