Hold em Poker : Semi-Bluffing and Defensive Wagering

Seems like most men and women are constantly talking about pre-flop strategy, so I wanted to talk a tiny bit about how I wager on following the flop. Perhaps I can assist others, or possibly they have advice to enhance my play.

I think that two of the most critical plays after the flop are the semi-bluff and the defensive bet. That’s because these are the plays you produce if you havent hit a hand except you’ve a fine drawing hand. Its easy to bet on a hand when you flop a monster. But I believe that these 2 are the ideal approaches to play a drawing. Each one is bet depending on you challenger(s) and your postion. So here is how I wager on it, so tell me what you think.

Early Position – Tight Opponents:

A semi-bluff works fairly well in this position. Appear out wagering and if a tight gambler did not hit a hand he will most likely lay down, and if he is unsure you may get a call. But watch out, if that tight player comes back over the top it might be time to obtain away.

Early Placement – Loose Opponents

This is were I like to perform a defensive wager. Make a decision how many chips you’re willing to risk on your draw and wager. This can be usually a much smaller wager than normal. It has been my experience that the loose gambler will usually just call a wager instead of re-raise. On the other hand, in case you check to them, theyre much more likely to throw in more chips than your willing to pay.

Late Placement – Tight Opponents

That is the greatest time to perform a semi-bluff, especially if most of the table checks. If that’s the case you will probaly pick up the pot now. If a player prior to has bet, you have to come to a decision 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 think he does, well then it’s time to calculate your odds, and make a decision if the pot odds are worth the call.

Late Location – Loose Opponents

This one is really a bit difficult, simply because it is tougher to put a loose player on a hand. And if your in late position against loose gambler, chances are they’ve already bet. This can be were I usually make a decision to take a chance and appear back over the top of them and pray they don’t call, and if they do, effectively then its time to gamble. Chances are although even a loose gambler will go away if you arrive back strong enough.

Don’t forget although that these are moves I only generate following the flop comes and I have a decent drawing hand (usually not a gutshot either). Possibly four to the flush or the open ended straight, for example.

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