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FAQ's
Fifth Street
1. The decision on fifth poker street is a close second in importance to the decision on third street. Why is that?
Because this is when the bets double in size and a call usually ties you on the end, which may mean putting in an additional two or more large bets, especially in an aggressive game.
2. Suppose you have a hand, such as a flush draw, and you will at least call a bet. Do you bet it?
You should always bet this hand if some reasonable chance exists that your opponent will fold.
3. Example?
Your opponent has caught two blanks, and from the way the hand has been played, you suspect that he started with a three-flush or a small pair.
4. When should you check?
When you know your opponent will always check behind you and you want this and you are absolutely certain you will be called if you bet. However, it still may be better to bet to set up a steal on a subsequent round.
5. If you have a drawing hand on fifth street, do you want to keep as many players in as possible?
Not necessarily. If your drawing hand can make a big pair that might win against one opponent, you may want to raise. (Or if you already have a pair, you may want to raise to limit the pot to two players.)
6. If you have a choice of playing against either one opponent or two opponents, why is it often better to be heads-up?
You may win with a bigger pair or two small pair. Moreover, in a two person pot, your opponent may not bet it you catch a big card.
7. When else is it correct to raise on fifth street with a drawing poker hand?
When many players are in, you are in a late position, and you think you have the best drawing hand.
8. What else is important on fifth street?
To eliminate players when you believe you have the best hand. In other words, almost never give a free card.
9. What if you are against many opponents and only have one big pair?
You should usually check, even if it seems like you have the best hand.
10. Why?
There is a good chance that everyone will call, and you will be bigger dog than the number of bets that you are collecting.
11. What is another fifth-street concept that concerns raising?
To recognize those times you should raise when you are almost certain that you do not have the best hand.
12. Example?
A player who has just caught an offsuit ace checks. The next player has?? 10♣ 4♥ 8♦ and bets. You have two queens and a three-flush, and your cards are live. It is a multiway pot. There is a person behind you who you suspect has two kings and you think the bettor started with a pair of tens and probably has made two pair. The correct play is to raise to drive out the other hands. This play notably increases your chances of winning (though you are still a small underdog) because you are now more likely to win if you improve your hand.
13. What should you do on sixth street in the situation just described?
Bet if you improve; otherwise, it is usually best to check.
14. In general, is trying for a check-raise on fifth street good poker strategy?
No. Your check may cause you to lose a double-size bet. You need to be very sure that your opponent will bet. Also, your check may allow a miracle card to beat you.
15. What if you pair your door card?
It usually will stop your opponent from betting.
16. When is the time to attempt a check-raise on fifth street?
With concealed trips or sometimes a high two pair.
17. What if your fifth-street card is the same suit as your door card, but you actually have hidden trips?
You usually should bet and try to represent a flush draw.
18. When would you definitely not try for a check-raise on fifth street?
When you are against weak, timid players, because they do not bet often enough.
19. Can a check-raise on fifth street get you a free card?
It might.
20. What is the play?
To represent a strong hand in such a manner that if you miss on sixth street, your opponent will not bet (after you check).
21. Example?
You raise on third street with a T♠ A♣ T♥ , and are reraised by a queen, meaning at least a pair of queens. On fourth street you both catch blanks. He bets and you call. On fifth street, you catch a king versus another blank for your opponent. Check-raise a weak player.
22. What can happen on sixth street in this example?
If you catch an ace, you get an extra bet. If you catch a king, your opponent will fold, which you won’t like, but at least you got more money in the pot. And if you pair your fourth street card, your occonent probably will fold, and you want him to do so.
23. Should you call on fifth street with a small pair and a three-flush?
Neither calling nor folding is automatic.
24. What must you consider?
What you think you have to beat, how much money is in the pot, and how the hand will be played from that point on. If most of these are favorable, you should call.
25. When else should you call on fifth street with a small pair?
If you have either an ace or two overcards to your opponent’s probable pair, and if your cards are live.