Poker Strategy
Betting Strategy
2007-11-07 10:38:48
While there are a myriad of elements to Texas hold'em strategy, one of the basic ideas that any successful Texas hold'em poker player must understand is betting. Betting is what makes poker what it is, and what makes it different from other card games such as Hearts and Gin. While it is possible to play those games for money, the money is not an integral element of the game in the same way as it is for poker. This is why understanding betting in poker is crucial.
Which Are Good Reasons To Bet in Texas Hold'em Poker?
Correct poker strategy means not betting haphazardly. Your bet should always have a function. Possible reasons for betting include:
· You think you have the best hand, and want to get more money in a pot you plan to win.
· You think you have the best hand now, but that other hands may improve to beat you, and you wish to either encourage them to fold or make them pay for the privilege of drawing out on you.
· You have a weak hand and wish to represent a strong hand so that opponents with better hands will fold and concede the pot to you (The Bluff).
· You are drawing to the best hand and wish to convince opponents you already have a strong hand so they will concede the pot to you or build a bigger pot that will allow you to get paid off if you do make your hand (The Semi-Bluff)
· You wish to see the next card cheaply and by betting a small amount, hope to discourage opponents from raising a large amount (Blocking/Defensive Bet)
· You are drawing in position and bet on a cheaper street in the hopes of inducing a check and a free card from an opponent who acts before you on a later street.
What are Not Good Reasons to Bet in Texas Hold'em Poker?
Any of the above can be a good reason to bet in Texas hold'em poker. The following are not good reasons to bet.
· It's your turn: You shouldn't necessarily bet just because no one has bet yet, unless you really believe everyone is weak and your bet will cause everyone to fold. Also, if you are planning to play the hand and no one has come in before you, it is often a good idea to raise rather than just flat call ("limping"), as this will tend to give you control of the hand.
· Someone else has bet: Sometimes aggressive players do bet if they are weak, and there are times when a player is getting out of line and should be challenged. However, a player who has bet out a few times in a row may be getting a string of legitimate hands, and you shouldn't raise them on principle unless you have fairly good reason to believe they are bluffing.
· It's the only way to win: Sometimes you may decide to bluff on the river if you've been drawing at a hand and missed since you cannot possibly win a showdown. However, if you do this routinely, opponents will catch on and it will cost you. If you're planning a river bluff, you should set it up by showing down some good hands and bluffing on a board where it may not be so obvious that you missed.
