This is a profitable situation that arises based on opponents’ actions. Let’s say you open a pot by raising and are called by one of the blinds. So far, so regular. But then the flop comes down and your opponent throws a spanner in the works by betting out. At this point it’s worth remembering what’s supposed to happen here: most of the time the player calling in the blind will check to the pre-flop raiser in a heads-up pot, and the pre-flop raiser will make a continuation bet that frequently takes down the pot.

It’s so ‘normal’ for this sequence to happen that you should consider why the player in first position is leading out. If he had a very strong hand he would usually check-raise the pre-flop raiser’s continuation bet on the flop or turn. Often then, this lead out is a weak bet with a moderate hand or a hand that is on a draw and wants to keep it cheap. The key point is it’s seldom a hand that can stand any pressure, so you should see this as an opportunity to make chips and put some pressure on.w

Example

Take the battle to the opposition with raises in position against aggressors

SCENE: With blinds of 100/200 you have 9-8 suited in the cut-off. You raise to 600 and the big blind calls. The flop comes Q♦-6♠-2♣ and the player in the big blind leads out for 800 (3.1).

ACTION: It’s a very dry flop that is unlikely to have helped out your opponent too much. If they have a Queen or a set, the majority of opponents will look to check- raise on the flop or maybe the turn. They’re most likely to have a moderate hand like a small pocket pair or even a hand that’s missed, like A-J offsuit, and thinks the flop has missed you. So you take the opportunity to put pressure on your opponent by raising to 2100 (3.2).

REASON: On this dry board your hand looks very strong and it’s very difficult for your opponent to continue in the hand without a strong holding. If he’s a weak player who respects your raises he may even fold a weak Queen.

An alternate scenario is if you’ve hit the flop. Let’s say it’s the same scenario but you hold A-Q. Now you can call the flop bet and hope your opponent is encouraged to bluff on the turn or think his moderate hand (like when you bet or raise him on the turn (3.3). You should exercise some caution with this line against stronger opponents though, as sometimes, especially with deep stacks, a good player will lead out when he flops a super-strong hand such as two-pair or a set. He’ll do this to try and get raised to give himself a better chance of getting all the chips in the middle. So be aware of that, because if you raise such a bet and your opponent either calls or re-raises you might have to keep the pot small or back down.

However, against most opponents in most situations players lead out with hands that can’t stand any pressure – it’s your job to notice and take advantage of this pattern.

SUMMARY

If you liked these three moves, you’ll be pleased to hear there are many more to watch and learn from on my new DVD set (available for $59.95 at www.expertholdem.com). Add these techniques to your armoury and use them at will. The important thing is to take risks to accumulate chips and spot profitable situations where you can make these plays. The moves here and on the DVDs are just for starters – don’t be afraid to experiment with others and always play for the win. Good luck!