Online Sports Betting at SuperBook.com: NCAA March Madness - College basketball betting at Superbook

I really enjoy your articles. I find the content very helpful. I was playing in a live $1-$2 no limit hold em game. I was dealt pocket Queens. I made a standard preflop raise of $10 and got two callers. The game is pretty loose and aggressive with people calling with seemingly anything The flop was 6-7-2. It was checked to me ad I bet out $15 and was called by two players. The turn was a 8 and I again bet out $15 and was called by one more player. The River was a 9. This time, my opponent bet $25 and I raised him $100 all-in. He quickly called and showed 4-5 for a straight. This hand has really been bothering me. Can you analyze my play?

Well Doug, I definitely see some flaws in the way you played this hand. Your preflop raise was just fine. I also agree with your postflop bet attempt, but not the bet amount. With 2 opponents, you need to at least bet the size of the pot. In this case, your opponent was open ended and he had the odds to see one more card at least. On the turn you bet $15 again. Now even if your opponent was still drawing, he absolutely had the odds to call. As for the River, this move I don’t like one bit. Your opponent bets out $25 an amount that is just screaming for a call. I would imagine at a loose game like you described a bluff would be a much bigger one. I don’t mind so much if you would have called and paid him off but re-raising all-in was just giving money away. You really need to stop and think before acting. Don’t fret Doug, this is a game where you can constantly learn and improve.

Question #2
Stu from New Jersey writes:

PokerStrategyKing:

I seem to run into problems whenever I have Pocket Queens, Jacks or Tens. I always raise with them preflop. But the problem is when I get re-raised I can’t seem to get away from them and lose a bundle of money when I get what I perceive to be a favorable flop with no overcards to my pair showing. What do you recommend I do?

Stu, I think the adjustment you need to make is simply your mental perception of how much you value these pairs. While they are quality starting hands, they are by no means the nuts. If you raise with them preflop and get raised, that should set off alarms in your mind right then and there. If you choose to call and see a flop, don’t hit a set and your opponent shows strength, use better judgment and fold. If there happen to be overcards on board, this becomes a very easy fold for you. Players who fail to realize when they are likely dominated lose more money in the long run. Know when to cut your losses.

Question #3
Steve from Indianapolis writes:

PokerStrategyKing:

I can’t stand having big Slick. I just never seem to win with this so-called “Premium hand”. How can I be more successful with this hand?

Well Steve, big Slick can be a tricky hand. Unless you pair up or hit Broadway, you need to know how to play this had as it can be very powerful. You need to remember to not become married to this hand as after the flop, if you miss you should be able to get away from it. If you are playing at an aggressive table with lots of preflop action, you can choose to just call from early position and if someone raises, you can either smooth call or re-raise when it comes back to you. The tactics used in this case would be the same ones you used as when you were in one of the Blinds. In Middle or Late position, I always recommend a nice standard 4 times the blinds raise. After the flop regardless of what hits, go ahead and bet again as though you are representing Aces or Kings even if you miss. Then if you are played back at by someone, you can still fold. If you hit bet aggressively and try to take down the pot right then and there. Big Slick is sill a premium hand whether you’re a fan of it or not. Don’t be hesitant, e aggressive but smart at the same time.

Keep the questions coming folks. I always like to hear from my readers. Send your questions to info@pokerstrategyking.com .

Until next time, may the chips fall your way.

(For more poker strategy and tips, please visit the PokerStrategyKing’s website at www.pokerstrategyking.com )

Help | About Us | Site Map