If you are sitting at home reading this article, chances are you’re just like me – you can’t get enough of online poker. Whether you’re in it for the thrill of the game or you’re trying to make a living, playing online offers several distinct advantages over the “live” game. The online game is a faster game, which essentially means more and potentially larger pots and more risks per hour than a standard B&M (brick and mortar) game. When you see a larger volume of hands, chances are that during each session you play, you are bound to see something that leaves you speechless, shaking your head, mystified, or (shudder at the thought) having to re-buy. In this column, each week we will take a look at a different hand that fits the previously mentioned criteria. My involvement in the hand notwithstanding, I will try to remain as impartial as possible, and for the hands that I didn’t win, I will keep my bitterness to a minimum. (At least, this is my intent)

If you play no-limit Hold Em, you really need to have guts. Why do I say this? Because at any time, you may be forced with a decision that can cost you a huge part of your stack or all of your stack. If you are afraid of this aspect, good players will eventually pick up on this and put you to the test. They will check to see if you have the guts necessary to make a crucial decision. If they sense weakness or hesitation on your part, they will make play after play on you and you will never be a long-term winner. At the same time, you need to be able to read the situation. If you have this ability, you are ahead of the game.

Keeping this in mind, here comes this week's hand of the week. I was playing a my local $1-$2 no limit hold em game. We were 7-handed and there was lots of action in this particular game. I had been running well on this day and I had pretty much all week. I was getting good cards and my reads had been on the money. I was making plenty of money and the table was pretty aware of my strong recent play. I was on the button and looked down to see As-Qd. Two players limped before me and I made it $18 to go. The big blind hesitated and called as did one of the limpers. The flop came and it was the Js-5h-4h. Not exactly the flop I was looking for as I missed completely.

It was checked to me as expected and I decided to try to take it down right then and there so I made a pot size bet of $50. I had been making this postflop bet whenever I wanted to take the pot then and there and I knew that the other players were aware of this before. I wanted the other players to put me on Kings, Aces or Queens. The Big Blind went into the tank and thought for about two full minutes before finally calling and the other player went out. I thought about what this call meant. If he had a Jack, I was certain he would have raised me in this spot. With the two hearts on board, I was pretty sure that he was on a heart flush draw.

The turn came and it was the 7c. He frowned slightly and slowly checked. I decided to fire again. This time I bet $75. He called a little bit quicker this time. I was 100% certain that he was on a draw. There was now over $300 in the pot.

The river was the 2s, the ultimate blank. He instantly announces "All-in" for his remaining $150. This action made me stop and think. I have been putting him on a heart draw the entire time and all of a sudden a blank falls on the river and he goes all in? What was that about? Unless he has the Ah-Kh, my Ace high would be good enough here. Either way, with no pair it was a very difficult decision for me. Finally, I called and he instantly made a face. As he was the aggressor, he had to turn over his cards and wouldn't you know it, he had Ah-10h! My read was correct and I called him down with Ace high! It was probably the best call of my career. He couldn't believe that I called with nothing. But the other players were also stunned. I sent the message that I wouldn't be afraid to call with nothing if I believe my nothing is better than yours. So the rush continues.Hopefully.

Until next time, may the chips fall your way.

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