Fri, 09/23/2011 – 06:38 – PokerPages Staff

Why we Bet on a Hand

Poker bets either live or at online sites such as PokerStars are an attempt to declare one of two things to your opponents: “I have the best hand around the table”, or “Your hand is poor and you will fold if you are forced to bet any money on it.” Although you are only supposed to place a bet if you have a good hand, many players choose to bet on hands that they know are no good, in an attempt to bluff their opponents. Although the main strategy should be to bet when you’re in a good position and fold when you’re not, there are many subtle nuances you should look to employ.

Stealing the Pot

If you are the last to play in a round of betting where everyone before you has checked, a common move may be to place a bet to steal the pot. Although often effective, checking yourself will provide another card for free, with the knowledge that none of your opponents were willing to place a bet on their cards.

Check Raising

A check raise entails checking when you have the opportunity, only to raise if the action comes back round to you. This can help to put more into the pot if you have a monster hand, although it is best used sparingly, as using this strategy constantly will become obvious fairly swiftly.

Doubling Up

Best used in limit poker, a double-up entails raising after an early raiser in a betting round. This will force players to face two bets at the same time. It is best used when you have a great hand or sense that your opponents are acting cautiously due to the quality of his or her own hands.

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Tue, 09/20/2011 – 07:40 – PokerPages Staff

Most players that are new to playing poker online at sites like PokerStars will generally use one simple strategy, bet and call if you have a hand and fold when you don’t. If you follow this simple, but somewhat predictable pattern, more experienced players will spot it, reel you in and take all of your money. Part of the journey from novice to intermediate player is learning some more subtle betting strategies, in order to not be so predictable.

Don’t call me, I’ll call you!

If you feel that your hand is promising, let’s say you have a pocket pair, but by the time the action has got round to you the bet is pretty high, what is the right course of action to take? Before automatically calling due to your hole cards, think about the motives of the players preceding you. What has made them bet so big? This tactic is especially vital after the flop has been dealt, as players will have more of an idea of the sort of hand they are able to build at this point.

Why did they bet Big?

Your big betting opponent is either holding a great hand or is trying to bluff you out of the game. Looking at the patterns of the bets from players around you, coupled with the community cards that have been dealt, should give you an indication of the sorts of cards the other player may have. If it’s likely that the player may have a better hand than you, it’s best to cut and run. Save your chips for the next hand!

Want to learn more about strengthening your bets visit the PokerSchoolOnline for further information.