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FAQ's

Defending Against the Possible Ante Steal

1. Suppose a late poker position player raises and you think he might not have much. What should you do?
If you think this player will frequently fold a lot of his hands, you can reraise with virtually anything.

2. Are there many players who play this way?

No.

3. What if you think your opponent probably has little but will call your raise?
One option is to just call and bet into him on fourth street if you fall high and be catches bad.

4. What if he catches good?
Be prepared to fold if your hand is weak.

5. What if his upcard is larger than yours and you have next to nothing?
The correct play usually is to fold unless you are sure that you can maneuver your opponent as just described.

6. What if you have a small pair and a weak upcard, and you are last to act?
You should call against someone who is on a likely ante steal. Remember, most stealers will call a reraise if you have a small card showing.

7. What if your pair is a little larger?
You can consider reraising poker pairs against a possible steal.

8. How often should you reraise?
About half the time (with your better hands) in this situation.

9. What else should you consider?
The rank of your opponent’s upcard. The lower it is, the more inclined to reraise you should be.

10. Example?
Against an ace, rarely reraise; against an eight , reraise much more often.

11. If you are the bring-in, when can you call a raise with two big cards in the hole?
You can call if the raiser does not have an ace or a king up if you have two big cards (higher than his upcard) in the hole.

12. What if your upcard is very low?
It may be better to just throw your poker hand away.

13. Example?
You have K♦ J♥ 6♠ . A player in a steal position with a 9♣ up raises, no one else is yet in the pot, and you know that he will raise with anything. You normally can go ahead and call. If your opponent’s upcard is a queen or higher, you should fold. You also might fold with a smaller upcard.

14. What if you feel that your opponent requires some sort of hand?
Then this call is too loose.