5 Best Poker Moves Are:
- The re-steal
- Min-raise
- Shoving light post-flop
- The squeeze
- Overbetting with monsters
Poker Move 1: The re-steal
What is it?
In recent years, the landscape of tournament poker has shifted towards a more aggressive style, largely due to players expanding their range of hands they choose to raise with. poker hands Many players now initiate raises with a broader selection of hands, which has led to the strategic move known as the ‘re-steal’. This tactic has evolved into a fundamental approach when countering late-position raises with substantial bets. three-bets .
Why has it become popular?
Tournament games often depend on a steady increase in chip counts, making it essential to consistently pressure your opponents. By challenging their raises and claiming pots before the flop, you can force folds when the opportunity arises. If you feel someone is overextending their range of hands, you can take a calculated risk by re-raising or going all-in with strong hands, pushing them aside. While this has its risks, particularly against opponents with genuine strength, more often than not, this aggressive semi-bluffing tactic will succeed due to the wider range of hands they are raising with compared to their calling range. monster To effectively counter the re-steals coming from late positions, you have a couple of options. You can either refrain from attempting steals with weak hands that would struggle against a re-raise, or you can be prepared to either call or shove with a significantly expanded range. If you suspect an opponent of re-stealing, you’ll need to carefully consider whether your hand stands strong against their likely range and how the situation might unfold if you either win or lose the pot.
How to defend against it
While a standard preflop raise used to be about three times the big blind, many players now prefer to make smaller raises, typically between two to two and a half times the big blind. This trend is particularly noticeable in online tournaments as the blinds increase and antes come into play. loose-aggressive players As players at all levels have embraced the practice of re-stealing, a smaller preflop raise can be a strategic move, protecting vital chips when faced with an aggressive re-raise. By opting for smaller raises, you risk fewer chips while still aiming to claim the same pot, allowing you to attempt more steals and target additional pots. However, the downside is that players, especially in the big blind, may receive better odds to call and see a less expensive flop. Even if they do call, you maintain position and can take control of the action with smaller bets since you were the one initiating the aggression preflop. Additionally, when your smaller raises lead to frustration from opponents, you stand a good chance of being rewarded with a big payout when you eventually hold a strong hand. poker pot equity Stay alert. If a player is frequently raising preflop, you can deduce that they are doing so with a much broader range of hands, giving you the opportunity to time your response expertly. The tactic of min-raising keeps the pot manageable, allowing you to avoid exposing too much of your stack when facing an aggressive re-raise that requires you to fold.
Poker Move 2: Min-raise
What is it?
In the past, each raise followed by a re-raise and a possible all-in usually signaled a battle between premium hands. However, the current dynamics of the game have shifted, meaning it's just as likely that you’ll find yourself up against a mid-range pair competing against a flush draw. big blind The tendency to shove with lighter hands has emerged due to an increase in players entering pots with less than optimum cards. This trend has resulted in a lower necessity to connect with the board, especially in light of the standard re-steal move.
Why has it become popular?
With stealing When players have deeper stacks, reraising an opponent who initiated a raise with just a fraction of the board showing can be an effective strategy, causing them to fold hands they might otherwise have played. continuation bets as the pot is smaller. You’ll also be in control of the pot Consider the best course of action in each specific scenario, whether it be to make a continuation bet or simply check behind. hand strength will be well disguised.
How to defend against it
Attempting to shove with a draw can lose effectiveness if you check to the turn, as you’ll only have one card left to improve your hand. three-bet While everyone dreams of holding a pair of Aces, the odds are they're only dealt once every 221 hands, maybe once or twice in an entire session if you're fortunate. It's no surprise then that many players are reluctant to 'waste' them on a mere raise that merely collects the blinds or a three-bet that wins a small pot. Therefore, many have adopted the strategy of flat-calling an earlier raise, hoping that an aggressive player behind them will try to make a move. laydown .
Poker Move 3: Shoving light post-flop
What is it?
In a worst-case scenario where this doesn't happen, those Aces will still be strong on numerous flops against the original raiser. By under-representing your hand, you can often induce errors from opponents who may overplay weaker hands against you.
Why has it become popular?
The 'Harrington on Hold’em' book series popularized the squeeze play following the author’s memorable 6-2o move at the 2004 WSOP final table. As with the continuation bet, players began employing squeezes more frequently. Consequently, poker strategies evolved, leading savvy players to flat-call with premium hands, recognizing that many would make moves without having strong hands. continuation bet The straightforward advice of 'never squeeze without a strong hand' reflects that poker is inherently complex. You should be alert if a player with under 20 big blinds flat-calls an early position raise, and it should raise immediate concern if they are known to be aggressive. A flat-call from a mid to late position player implies they are likely setting up a trap, especially if made against an early position raise, differing from flat-calls from the blinds where players generally avoid playing from disadvantageous positions. short stack .
Fifth Poker Strategy: Utilizing Overbets with Strong Hands
How to defend against it
Not that long ago, players who made a powerful hand such as a flush would typically place a smaller 'value' bet to ensure a payout, which would often be called, resulting in additional chips. However, it didn't take long for some savvy players to realize, 'Why shouldn't I earn more from my strong hands? Players who call my bets to the river typically have very strong hands themselves and are likely to continue calling.' As a result, skilled players, particularly in cash games, began increasing their bets on their strongest hands (and sometimes bluffing with pot-sized bets to remain unpredictable) to extract maximum value. Flush draw and straight As poker continues to evolve, certain strategies become more evident. Betting for value on the river is one such tactic. A significant bet is now often interpreted as either a bluff or a genuine strong hand, leaving opponents uncertain about your actual holdings.
Poker Move 4: Inducing the squeeze
What is it?
Before jumping to conclusions, ensure you have a good read on your opponent. Just because two Aces appear on the board and they’re betting the pot doesn't necessarily mean they have a strong hand. It's essential to analyze their betting behavior to ensure it aligns logically with their overall strategy. To exploit this effectively, you should vary your betting pattern and not solely adjust bet sizes based on the strength of your hand. If you’ve previously brought an opponent to the brink with strong hands, try betting the pot next time to mix things up. Pay attention to their stack sizes and playing tendencies. Interestingly, players often hesitate to commit more than half their remaining chips on the river, so be sure to capitalize on this behavioral insight and charge them as much as you think they will agree to. online poker tournament Chad Holloway, the 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner, has also contributed his expertise in various roles, including serving as a managing editor and live reporter for PokerNews. ‘squeeze’ play Fifth Poker Strategy: Utilizing Overbets with Strong Hands
Why has it become so popular?
Two words, Dan Harrington. His 888poker-EGR-logo-Mobile-Header-2021-white 888poker-EGR-logo-Mobile-Header-2022-white
not be able to resist the squeeze play.
How to defend against it
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What is it?
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Why has it become so popular?
As poker strategy Virtual Digital Services Limited functions under a gaming license issued under Maltese law - MGA/CRP/543/2018, granted on 11/10/2019. value bet In Ireland, our betting products are administered by 888 (Ireland) Limited, a Malta-based company, licensed and controlled by Ireland's Revenue Commissioners. small bet to produce the same expectation.
How to defend against it
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