2 replies to this topic

[benhoug]

I've been in a bit of a funk lately, and am taking some time off of playing cards online, but I am examining my game and trying to plug some leaks. Two situations have come up repeatedly in the past couple of weeks (when I fell into my funk) and I'd like to get some other folks' opinions on them.Situation 1.) I have a big PP (from JJ - AA) and make a raise and get 1 or 2 callers. The flop comes down w/ all undercards, but presents a possible draw. For example I have JJ and the flop comes down 782 offsuit. This looks like a great flop for my hand, but I know how people love their draws, so I bet the pot (my thinking being I'll be happy to take the pot down there, but if you want to draw out on me I'm gonna make you pay). The thing that's been killing me the most w/ this type of situation is when the turn presents another draw. On several occasions I've been in this spot and lost when my opponent starts w/ an open-ended straight draw, but back-doors a flush (or vice versa). My question is, should I keep pressing like I've been doing, and make people pay to draw out on me, or should I play it safe until i see if the turn is a scare card? After all, I've only got a pair.Situation 2.) I pick up a big (but not huge) hand in the blinds.For example, I pick up A Q in the SB. Normally I like to raise w/ AQ, but being in such horrible position I'm beginning to wonder if this is a spot where I should just call and see a flop.Any feedback would be helpful. Sorry if some of the situations are a bit vage (with regards to number of players in the pot or position) but as I said, it's not one hand I'm talking about, it's several hands that have presented similar situations.

[Pokerdad2222]

I have been in a bit of a funk lately and have thought the same things. But now I am figuring out that playing overly cautious more of a problem than a bad run of cards. People are going to draw on you occasionaly. It happens. Make them pay big when the odds are in your favor. Might even think about putting them to the test of caling their entire stack. Raise with AQ. If not you are allowing people to limp with garbage cards for very cheap and you have no idea where they stand. I have been talking time off as well and reading a lot on this sight and it has been very helpful and I am ready to get back at it. Play a lot of pots against players you know are weak players even if your cards are marginal. Take a few chances and keep good tabs on the pots odds. If you play a no limit start watching everyhand and playing the players as much as the cards

[BeanGW]

benhoug said:

Situation 1.) I have a big PP (from JJ - AA) and make a raise and get 1 or 2 callers. The flop comes down w/ all undercards, but presents a possible draw. For example I have JJ and the flop comes down 782 offsuit. This looks like a great flop for my hand, but I know how people love their draws, so I bet the pot (my thinking being I'll be happy to take the pot down there, but if you want to draw out on me I'm gonna make you pay). GOOD!!The thing that's been killing me the most w/ this type of situation is when the turn presents another draw. On several occasions I've been in this spot and lost when my opponent starts w/ an open-ended straight draw, but back-doors a flush (or vice versa). My question is, should I keep pressing like I've been doing, and make people pay to draw out on me, or should I play it safe until i see if the turn is a scare card? After all, I've only got a pair.Don't play results based poker. In your scenario, the only scary draw I even worry about at all is 9-10 sooted. If someone is willing to draw against you without appropriate odds... let them. Keep betting the flop. If you put them on a draw, and it looks like it hits (like a Q or a 6 falls), then slow down. Otherwise keep firing. Situation 2.) I pick up a big (but not huge) hand in the blinds.For example, I pick up A Q in the SB. Normally I like to raise w/ AQ, but being in such horrible position I'm beginning to wonder if this is a spot where I should just call and see a flop.Any feedback would be helpful. Sorry if some of the situations are a bit vage (with regards to number of players in the pot or position) but as I said, it's not one hand I'm talking about, it's several hands that have presented similar situations.

Read Sklansky's SSHE. Then read the five other posts on this board about how to play A-Q from the blinds. Then read Sklansky again.