Problem with betting out small
Dear Antonio,
Hold'em question. I have been finding (in tournaments especially) when I am bluffing my best moves actually come on the turn when I know my opponent is trying to take the pot on the flop. Example:
I have 6-8 diamonds and board comes K-2-2. It's heads up and I am 2nd to act. He bets 2/3 of the pot which to me seems like a steal given my feel for him. But I also think he has me beat since I only have an 8 high. but I also don't think he'd bet out with a K or a 2 since he is a slowplayer with a monster. So I call his bet and plan on moving in on him on the turn if any card but an A hits. he seems concerned that I only called him since now it seems that I am in fact trapping him. On the turn he checks, but instead of moving my chips in which would seem like a steal I bet 20% of the pot. Makes it look like I am begging for action. He folds and shows A-10. Is this a play you use frequently? Was my bet on the turn too small and would most see through it?
Adam
Adam,
I like the way you thought everything through here, and I especially like how you set yourself up to rebluff the bluffer. The 20% play will work if your opponent thinks you're trying to extract extra value with a made hand. Some players will think otherwise, and read you either for timid or for exactly the "cheapo bluff" you're making. The one problem with betting small is you give your enemy a chance to make his hand or steal back from you on the river. So you just gotta know your man.
· Antonio
