jb

Remember the admonition; "If you can’t bet it, muck it." Well, we haven't mucked our starting hand. So, we should probably consider a bet or a raise. Again this topic requires a long discussion. So much of the decision is based on the particular situation, that a general discussion is almost impossible. There are two rules we can implement to increase our expectation. Some hands Play real well against few opponents, but play real poorly against many opponents. Other hands need several callers to provide the pot odds for a positive expectaion.

Call, Bet, or Raise?

If we are playing high pairs, Aces, Kings, and high cards like AK or AQ, we don't really want to play against more than one or two players. The only real improvement we can make to our hand is to catch one of our hole cards. If we restrict the number of players, we have a chance of winning with little or no improvement. Additionally, a raise makes the blinds decide if they should call or fold. We should never allow the blinds to play for a half-bet or a check. If we are in late position, a bet or raise is very appropriate. If we win the pot right now, good, it is not a loss. Nothing fancy. Although we may have decided that we have a starting hand, in early position we may not even call, based on the specific hand, number of callers, and the betting. Never be afraid to muck what would otherwise be starting hand.

1st rule of flush draws: For a flush to be profitable you must have at least 4 callers.

In hold'em: If you do not have 4 callers, muck the hand unless it has some inherent high card value like KJ, suited. If we have a flush draw, we want to do what ever puts the maximum amount of money in the pot. (Sometimes this may involve slow playing the hand before the flop. A simple call will also allow us to see the flop cheaply and determine if the hand is worth further play.) There are two main exceptions to this rule: Small suited connectors on the button and Ax suited in the blinds or late position. In both cases a raise is appropriate. If you take the pot immediately, good, otherwise, if you hit the flop, you are in position to drive. Again small pocket pairs should be played like flushes. They have no chance of winning without improvement.