Turning KK into a bluff catcher post flop

[Mike_25]

Fellow poker players, I usually don't raise preflop with KK just to see a flop cheaply, but what do you think about turning those pocket kings into a bluff catcher post flop? There are times, especially in loose games, when that flop comes scary dry and opponents still fire bets. In those spots I've considered a call then check-raising all barrels as a bluff catcher. Thoughts on this unorthodox KK strategy?

 

[CR7]

The strategy you propose can certainly be effective in certain situations, especially in looser games where opponents are more likely to continue bluffing post-flop with weak hands. Turning KK into a bluff catcher post-flop can be a powerful way to extract maximum value from opponents who are willing to put multiple barrels of bets into the pot with weaker hands, while also avoiding getting stacked by a strong hand.

However, it is important to consider a few things when adopting this strategy. First, you need to be confident in your ability to read and profile your opponents accurately. You have to be able to determine which players are likely to fire multiple barrels as a bluff and which are likely to slow down when they encounter resistance. If you're wrong about your opponent, you can find yourself facing a bet that you can't call or even a possible overbet shove.

Second, it's important to consider the texture of the flop and the range of hands your opponent(s) might have. While a dry flop might look innocuous, it's important to remember that certain holdings can still connect with those types of boards. Additionally, an opponent may be c-betting with air or a weak made hand, but there is also the chance they have a strong hand. So, you need to look beyond the texture of the flop and analyze the range of your opponent's betting pattern.

Finally, it's important to think about your image at the table and how your opponents perceive you. If you have a tight image and generally only play premium hands, then your opponents are more likely to put you on a hand like KK when you call their bets. This means they may be less likely to continue betting unless they have a strong hand themselves.

In conclusion, turning KK into a bluff catcher can be an effective strategy, but it requires a careful analysis of the situation, including your opponents, the board texture and range of hands, and your own table image. If you are able to execute it properly, it can be a powerful tool to add to your arsenal.