InsideEdge: Basic Poker Strategy

Autumn Hands

Poker sharp-shooting. Tougher prospects, but all the more satisfying when you bag these longer-shots.

1. SEPTEMBER If, once you have seen the flop, you find yourself with a draw for a flush and a draw to complete a straight (especially at both ends), consider betting and raising. If, however, you make neither on the turn, slam on the brakes before the river. ADVICE Consider betting and even raising. Check or call should you fail to make the flush or the straight on the turn.		2. OCTOBER If you have a pair before or after the flop, beware if a paired board (eg J-J or 5-5) is dealt on the flop. It is certainly worth considering a bet or even a raise, particularly should your pair be of high rank. Alarm bells should ring if you hold a low pair and are raised. ADVICE It is sometimes worth betting and even raising, but think seriously about folding if raised.
3. NOVEMBER If you have a pair, beware of an overcard (eg a 10 to your 9-9) which can be a paired by one or more opponents to beat you. Consider betting against a very small number of opponents, or calling against more. Think seriously about folding if you’ve been raised. ADVICE You might bet against one or two opponents if neither has raised.		4. DECEMBER If you find yourself with a small pair (say 6-6 or worse), and it’s not an overpair, you should generally fold if raised unless you have a chance to draw both ends to make a straight (eg you have 6-5-4-3), in which case consider calling. ADVICE Fold if raised but possibly call if you have an openended draw for a straight.