In this post we are digging into more hand examples on some solid lines for winning pots in No-Limit Hold’em, today we tackle how to play in 3-Bet pots, which can be choppy waters for some people, even the most accomplished players can get a little dizzy playing bloated pots.
Second Pair on Flop
$1/$2 $200 Deep
Hero is in MP with T♣ T♠
Folded to Hero: Raise to $6
Villian on BTN: Raises to $17
Hero: Calls
Flop: K♣ 3♥ 5♠
Hero: Checks
BTN: Bets $25
Hero: ?
We will need to call on flops like this with second pair, if we fold our hand on a board with just one overcard we will be over-folding and letting our opponents bluff us way too much.
We could even be up against hands he would bet for value on this board like 88 and 99 for example, so we can’t give up just yet!
Swing and a Miss with a Big Hand
$1/$2 $200 Deep
Hero is in MP with A♦ Q♦
Folded to Hero: Raise to $6
Villian on BTN: Raises to $18
Hero: Calls
Flop: J♠ 6♥ 8♣
Hero: Checks
BTN: Bets $25
Hero: ?
There isn’t a lot we can do here if we call the only turn cards we are hoping for are an Ace or a Queen. Folding is the best play here and just move on to the next hand.
Players seem to get too sticky with these types of holdings even when they miss flops, by calling once and seeing how their opponent reacts on turns, but this is generally a big leak in peoples games.
Missing but flopping Backdoors
$1/$2 $200 Deep
Hero is on the Button with K♠ T♠
Folded to Hero: Raise to $6
Villian in BB: Raises to $17
Hero: Calls
Flop: 3♣ 3♥ 5♠
BB: Bets $21
Hero: ?
We won’t want to give up on this pot just yet, we have a good chance of hitting a good turn card with two overcards, high card value and a backdoor flush draw.
We also have a positional advantage too with the Button.
In position with a Small Piece
$1/$2 $200 Deep
Hero is on the Button with A♣ 9♣
Folded to Hero: Raise to $6
Villian in BB: Raises to $15
Hero: Calls
Flop: K♠ Q♦ 9♥
BB: Bets $20
Hero: ?
Whilst we aren’t in love with this board or the bet, we can’t go folding just yet either, we are ahead of many hands our opponent may just be looking to take down the pot with like any pair lower than the board and hands like AJ and AT.
Sometimes in Poker, we need to see a turn card and see what our opponent does after being called on the flop, this is one of those times, strap in and get ready for the ride.
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