M
Mike_25
Guest
Say the flop falls down Ac 6c 2c, and you got yourself a pair of sixes with an overcard kicker, so that's two pair, high-low. Qh 3h.
In this spot, checking is probably stronger than betting that hand. Here's why:
Your hand strength ain't no monster, it's just two pair. Betting risks committing more money to a hand that may not actually be the nuts or strong favorite. Checking keeps your options open since the hand ain't no guarantee to be best.
The board is dry as a bone, with three different suit cards. That just means the chances of someone betting weak hands, ridiculous draws or good top pairs/two pairs are high. Their calls probably beat you less often and get no better hand than what you got.
Your position is okay holding the overcard Queen, but not dominant. When it's your turn to act, checking first keeps life interesting. If your hand proves so choice it's easy to raise later. Or maybe players show they got nothing when betting, call, or fold to checks and calls. Flexibility is key.
The pot is still small since no one bet yet. Checking allows the pot to build up more cheaply before potentially committing to a larger bet. Bigger pot at the end means more of a prize if you beat inferior hands calling your future raise.
The Diamond draw possibility keeps the turn interesting too if it comes. Checking lets you decide to bet, call or fold that street based on what Diamond hits your hand and looks. The Q is good on this board but D draw has outs. Gotta keep options open.
In sum, for a modest hand this Strong position, checking has advantages betting lacks. It keeps the flexibility, risks less money upfront, allows the pot to build bigger so raises win more, and keeps options open for later turns and action. Some spots call for betting pressure and protection, but general advice says check first when able.
More examples welcome if understanding needs building. The aim is coming away with the thought process and logic to make these kinds of situational calls instinctive. Study up, play on! Standard for getting good comes down to the reps.
In this spot, checking is probably stronger than betting that hand. Here's why:
Your hand strength ain't no monster, it's just two pair. Betting risks committing more money to a hand that may not actually be the nuts or strong favorite. Checking keeps your options open since the hand ain't no guarantee to be best.
The board is dry as a bone, with three different suit cards. That just means the chances of someone betting weak hands, ridiculous draws or good top pairs/two pairs are high. Their calls probably beat you less often and get no better hand than what you got.
Your position is okay holding the overcard Queen, but not dominant. When it's your turn to act, checking first keeps life interesting. If your hand proves so choice it's easy to raise later. Or maybe players show they got nothing when betting, call, or fold to checks and calls. Flexibility is key.
The pot is still small since no one bet yet. Checking allows the pot to build up more cheaply before potentially committing to a larger bet. Bigger pot at the end means more of a prize if you beat inferior hands calling your future raise.
The Diamond draw possibility keeps the turn interesting too if it comes. Checking lets you decide to bet, call or fold that street based on what Diamond hits your hand and looks. The Q is good on this board but D draw has outs. Gotta keep options open.
In sum, for a modest hand this Strong position, checking has advantages betting lacks. It keeps the flexibility, risks less money upfront, allows the pot to build bigger so raises win more, and keeps options open for later turns and action. Some spots call for betting pressure and protection, but general advice says check first when able.
More examples welcome if understanding needs building. The aim is coming away with the thought process and logic to make these kinds of situational calls instinctive. Study up, play on! Standard for getting good comes down to the reps.
