"Oh, no's" happen all the time in poker but I bet you didn't need me to tell you that. How we deal with them will many times determine if we book a winning session or not.

Let's take a look at a common "Oh, no" moment that occurs when a scare card hits the board and you fear it's just what an opponent was imploring the poker gods to deliver. We'll assume you've been dealt pocket jacks and the flop is coordinated with two of the same suit and/or a straight draw. Your jacks, barring a foe having hit a set, are still top dog. On the turn a scare card falls that could either complete the feared flush or straight for your opponent if he was actually on the draw you believed likely. Your jacks are still high pair but your opponent bets out and the action is on you. What is your best response?

As usual, the ubiquitous response is "It depends." Let's take a look at some elements to which your response will be dependent upon. First, we hope you amassed some information regarding your opponent's tendencies. Knowing how aggressive or passive he normally plays his holdings is helpful to putting on a range of hands. Second, are there additional players involved in this pot, or are you heads-up against a lone opponent? If you do have a player or two yet to act, it becomes a pretty easy fold. If your opponent is betting into two or more players then even if he doesn't have you beaten, someone behind you might have your number. Unless the bettor is a newbie, he would know enough not to attempt a bluff into two or three players.

What if this opponent is a known bluffer and you're heads up? Then, I believe, it's an easy call. Sure, sometimes he'll actually have the hand he is representing and you'll lose, but if he is a known bluffer then you should profit by picking off his bluff attempts in the long run. Remember, much of the key data about opponents' playing styles can be acquired for free by paying close attention to the hands in which you are not an active player-so resist the temptation to divert your attention to the TV after folding your cards before the flop.

If you do not have a read on this player or you know him to be a solid player, then the math of the situation becomes paramount in making the best decision. Unless you are offered pot odds better than 2-to-1 it is probably best to fold. Calling when the odds are just even money can erode your bankroll. Another course of action to consider is a raise ... that normally defines whether your opponent is value betting or semi-bluffing.

As with most tough decisions in poker, there are no pat answers that yield 100 percent accuracy. That fact is one of the elements of the game that make it so challenging and enjoyable. Many times, knowledge concerning an opponent's tendencies will encourage you to play your hand quite differently than if you did not possess that information.

Our goal for today is to analyze your "Oh, no" situations instead of just groaning "Oh, no" and reacting emotionally. Making informed decisions is the path to success in poker and, for that matter, for all your endeavors.

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.