So here's an example of a time that I was tempted to use a blocker/value bet, but I decided that it wasn't correct at all.


Paradise .10/.25 NL (10-handed)

Cobalt is UTG+2 w/ A 7 . Table seems loose, but I just joined.

Pre-flop:
2 folds, Cobalt calls, BB checks

Flop ($1.50): 7 5 2 (6 players)
2 checks, Cobalt bets $1.20

Turn ($6.30): 3 (4 players)
BB checks, Cobalt bets $4

River ($14.30): 3 (2 players)
Cobalt checks, MP2 bets $5

Final Pot: $23


So how does it look?

Why did you check the river?

I'm not sure if that's really a situation where you'd need to put in a blocker bet, unlike the one from earlier this week where it's the villain who's shown aggression the whole way.

The river almost never improves anyone here. The only reason you should check is to induce a bluff from someone who's prone to doing it. You probably _should_ be value betting against most opponents at low stakes games.

The pot's really big at this point. While it's unlikely that the turn and river gave my opponent a better hand, if I bet out a reasonable amount here, I'm not sure that I can fold for my last bit of money if he comes over the top. Generally, with TPTK, I will bet here for value. With TP being a 7 and my read, I think this is a slightly different situation.

What plays the hand like my opponent played it? It's either a busted flush draw or a strangely played set/straight. I give a lot more weight to the busted flush draw. By checking to my opponent, I think a bluff becomes irresistible to him in a pot this large...but probably a bluff that I can pick off.

If I'm MP2 and I have a flush draw, I'm raising the flop.

Same with an OESD.

I fold a gutshot.

I raise a set or two pair.

He might be playing 78 - I'm not sure how I play that - probably raise the flop to find out where I'm at.

Perhaps A5?

He may have fluff and just puts you on a couple overcards.

You're suggesting that our opponent plays reasonably. To beat a fish, you have to think like a fish. By the turn, fish probably raises hands that beat us and calls with his draws.

Hm. Interesting point. I'm think that I'm actually more prone to pull the blocker bet when I've been the one with the lead OOP, though I can see why the other situation (donk-betting) is also popular.