Typical moves
Pot odds calculations:
Although it's not a move it's important when holding an incomplete hand (Flush Draw or Straight Draw). Pot odds consider the chances of winning a hand stands, the pot size as well as the stakes you have to pay to see the next card. Thus you can see if it's better to go on or to fold. How this works is illustrated in our strategy article "simplified pot odds".
Bluff:
A player only knows for himself if he hasn't hit anything at the Flop. So, why not just pretend to have a good hand? It's the good old bluff, just imagine the hand you'd like to present and bet. Unfortunately, it goes sideways many times but it might work out once in a while.
Semibluff:
Not quite as risky as the bluff since there's a remaining chance the hand might still become something useful. The semibluff is willingly played when holding an uncompleted hand with the intent to win a bigger pot, when the hand has turned into something really good later on.
Potsize Bet:
A strong hand (e.g. a top pair) should be bet on accordingly, not too hesitant, though not too risky as well. The potsize bet is a bet at the amount of the actual pot size. This demonstrates strength and puts pressure on the opponents.
Check/ Raise:
Someone who has hit a monster hand probably doesn't want to reveal instantly. It can be a good idea to play rather passively instead and wait for the opponents to bet, in order to strike and raise when the timing is just right. Confused opponents might still go along, yet smart guys will see through the trick. But be careful: It really has to be a monster hand, otherwise things won't pan out as expected and an opponent might get something stronger with the next card.
Continuation Bet:
Someone who has raised Preflop with strong hands like A-K, but failed to improve the hand at Flop might try out this move. Just keep on betting as if nothing had happened. Actually it's a bluff, but the opponents must anticipate you're holding a strong hand, otherwise you wouldn't have raised at Preflop.
Utilize these tips at PacificPoker, EverestPoker, TitanPoker or PartyPoker and watch your account balance grow and grow. |
