No limit hold'em means you can bet whatever amount you want when you want during a hand. But nevertheless dont just bet randomly!
The very best players bet consistently throughout a hand.
Espscially in tournaments it is important to size your bets based on the size of the pot and the size of your stack.
The "ideal bet":
-between 1/2 and 2/3 of the pot.
-consistency: pick a percentage to use throughout the game or tournament no matter what size the pot is.
The opposite of the "ideal bet" is the "minimum bet". It is equal to the size of the big blind.
A "min bet" is almost never correct, unless the "min bet" is equal to 1/2 or 2/3 of the pot.
The "pot size" bet:
-A bet equal to the amount of chips already in the pot.
A "pot size" bet is typically not correct, but it can be used in certain situations.
-Puts maximum pressure on an opponent without betting all your chips
-To confuse opponents if you hit a great flop
The "all-in" bet:
-A bet with all your chips.
Allows you to apply maximum pressure on your opponent. Its the right play to make if you are betting 1/3 or more of your entire stack. By moving all in instead of betting 1/3 of your stack you have no further action in the hand, but to sit back and watch the cards. And you dont have to make a desicion for the few chips you have left.
If you have less than 15 times the big blind pre-flop, moving all-in on any hand you choose to play is the standard move.
Showing posts with label tournament strategies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tournament strategies. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Playing big pairs
Remember: Holding AA, KK, or QQ is no guarantee to win!
But you can improve your odds by following some simple guidelines:
Always raise or re-raise AA-QQ pre-flop.
With that you can narrow down the number of opponents. More opponents = lower odds to win the pot
Especially when you have KK or QQ dont be afraid of running into AA. That can happen but its quite unlikely.
Post-flop it is important to accept that there might be better hands. In that case you may have to throw away big pairs.
In a tournament this might be especially frustrating but depending on the size of your stack, there is most likely a better spot to play.
But you can improve your odds by following some simple guidelines:
Always raise or re-raise AA-QQ pre-flop.
With that you can narrow down the number of opponents. More opponents = lower odds to win the pot
Especially when you have KK or QQ dont be afraid of running into AA. That can happen but its quite unlikely.
Post-flop it is important to accept that there might be better hands. In that case you may have to throw away big pairs.
In a tournament this might be especially frustrating but depending on the size of your stack, there is most likely a better spot to play.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Early Position Hand Selection
The relative strength of your hand is very dependend on your position on the table.
Especially in early position you have very little to no information at all about the hands of your opponents.
You have to ask yourself the question if your hand is strong enough to call a raise or even strong enough to reraise.
When you decide to enter the pot it is a good idea to raise because:
1. Your opponent knows you have a strong hand.
2. Eliminates weaker opponents
3. Gives you the lead in the hand
In the early stages of a tournament, limit your early position starting hands to only the strongest range of starting hands. Later in the tournament you can open up your range because players are more likely to fold.
Especially in early position you have very little to no information at all about the hands of your opponents.
You have to ask yourself the question if your hand is strong enough to call a raise or even strong enough to reraise.
When you decide to enter the pot it is a good idea to raise because:
1. Your opponent knows you have a strong hand.
2. Eliminates weaker opponents
3. Gives you the lead in the hand
In the early stages of a tournament, limit your early position starting hands to only the strongest range of starting hands. Later in the tournament you can open up your range because players are more likely to fold.
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