The greatest complaint I hear at the limit tables these days is when someone gets rivered after making a bet on the turn and then says, "That's the problem with limit hold 'em; you can't protect your hand like you can in no-limit."
OK... that is a difference between the two, but then why are you playing limit? There are lots of differences between the two formats because they are two different games! One day I'd love to hear a no-limit player say, "That's the problem with no-limit, you can lose your whole stack in one hand." That would make me chuckle.
Today let's explore a limit situation that comes up regularly and how one might approach it differently. Many times you may find yourself looking at the turn while holding a marginal hand that you feel may be good, but you're not really sure. In this situation most limit hold 'em players check. If their opponent bets, they call the turn and call again on the river.
Imagine holding the A-9 of spades and looking at a flop of Q-9-4 with one spade and two clubs against a lone opponent who is out of position. You have second pair, a backdoor flush draw and an over card. Now the turn card is a red deuce... a real blank. If your opponent bets into you what would you do? Many players would call and call again on the river.
While just calling may seem the most prudent course of action, why not consider raising? If you are planning to call two bets, one on the turn and another on the river, why not make it two bets right now? There are actually two major benefits to raising in this situation and only one minor downside. That seems to translate to an overall positive way to play the hand!
First, you may win the pot right then with a fold by your opponent. Second, if he calls your raise and you hit an ace or a nine on the river, you will now be in position to value bet. So, if you were committed to calling two bets... your downside is the same but your upside is an extra bet if you connect.
OK... so what's the downside? Your opponent may re-raise you on the turn. If that happens you have probably been caught with your hand in the cookie jar and folding would be in order. It's till only two bets, but since you will be forced to fold you will have forfeited whatever chance you had to draw out on him. All in all, it still seems that there is more upside than downside ... normally it costs you the same two bets, although you can win an extra bet if you get lucky. Look for this type of opportunity and give this play a whirl.
Our goal for today is to always remember the value of aggression in hold 'em. More positive things can occur when well-timed aggression is launched versus meekly calling. Sure, it doesn't always work out but then what does? You also need to be careful about being too predictable because more observant opponents may begin to attempt pushing you off your hands as they observe your use of semi bluffing. Once again, we should always be looking for ways to mix up our game to keep our opponents guessing. If you keep them guessing, you have them beat.
See you next "TIME"
Tom "Time" Leonard has played poker in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and California for more than 30 years and written about the game since 1994. Contact Tom at thleonard@msn.com.
