Position III

Why is calling a marginal off suit is like taking a double gamble?

Firstly, you think that you are going to hit. Secondly, you end up gambling on the probability that none of the players on the table will raise the stakes again before the flop.

This is a sequence that keeps playing over throughout to the flop, turn and river.

Although being seated at a bad position isn’t the most ideal of situations, it does not in any way mean that you should drop your cards and run the moment you get the wrong position, it simply means you need to be on the alert, more careful in calling your shots and exercise caution.

Some pointers to bear in mind:

Suited hands (cards belonging to the same suit) have more value than unsuited hands as the chances of one making a flush with them are improved. That is, 2 cards belonging to the same suit give come with the advantage of calling a shot at the flush.

Suited connectors, like Ah-Kh, provide one, both flush and straight possibilities, so they are even more valuable. However, the said cards aren’t the only ones you should make bold to play, any pair of cards can give you make up for a winning hand, although some pairs have a higher probability of it than others.

Given a certain set of circumstances, like playing against a known adversary and banking on their playing style or some such situation you might either be required to exercise more caution or play a loose game.

Dealing with Flops – I

How to play after the flop

The best situation that gives you the maximum information about your cards is, yes you’ve got it right – the flop. Let’s think up of a couple of situations of this happening and how to deal with them.

You’ve ended up nuts!

Ending up with the nuts is an ideal situation in case of the flop and is a sure reason for you to be jubilant!

It is a veritable craft to bet wisely on a hand like this. Before making any move, eliminate all possibilities of your hand being beaten at the turn or the river (although this is highly unlikely). Do not get carried away for it is defeat can always close its jaws around you even when you are an inch away from the shores of victory.

Trips, even as high as the sure shot winner A-A-A, can still be beaten by a full house and hence should never be considered a invincible as they are still vulnerable. In spite of having an A high straight, you need to check whether there is a flush draw waiting in the wings.

If yes, it there indeed is then verify if you can be countered with a full house (after the turn) or even straight flush on the go! If the answer is yes, and you still have a high chance of losing, then go in for a safe bet.