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FAQ's
Playing Weak Hands
1. Do many players get out of line on third poker street?
Yes.
2. Example?
Suppose you start with T♠ T♥ 8♦ . An ace raises, a king calls, and you call. You should have folded.
3. Assuming that you incorrectly called, suppose that on fourth street the ace catches a jack, the king catches a ten, and you catch a seven. Is it correct to call again?
No, you have caught only enough to “such you in.”
4. What if the third street bet is only the bring-in and it is unlikely that you will be raised?
Things are a little different. In fact, many good players probably play a little too tight in this spot.
5. If you do play a weak hand for the bring-in and are raised, what should you do?
Usually fold and save the rest of the bet.
6. Why should you fold when raised?
There are two reasons for this:
A. It’s costing you more money.
B. The fact that the pot has been raised has diminished the value of your hand.
7. If you are in a game where people frequently limp for the bring-in, should you often limp in behind them?
Yes, especially if the players are weak.
8. What are you hoping for?
To catch a perfect card on fourth street.
9. What if you don’t catch what you want?
You must be prepared to fold.
10. Example?
If you are holding K♥ J♣ 9♦ , and the queens and tens are live, you should frequently call the bring-in. Also consider the kings, jacks, and nines.
11. If you catch a queen or ten on fourth street (giving you a gut shot) how long do you stay with the hand?
It depends on whether you have seen any of your other straight cards, as well as the other kings, jacks, and nines; how much money is in the pot; what you think you must beat; and how you think the hand will be played.
12. Why is “how the hand will be played” important?
It gives you an idea of how much you can win if you make your hand and what it will cost you if you don’t.
13. What else does calling the bring-in allow you to do?
Punish people who don’t raise enough.
14. Example?
If two or three people are in and you have a hand like A♥ K♥ 8♠ or A♠ k♦ 4♠ you should call it your cards are live.
15. When is this an especially good play?
Against a player who will play you off all the way if you make your hand.
16. What must you take into account when making these calls?
Whether your hand has the potential to improve enough that it would be a mistake for your opponent to pay off all the way.
17. What if it is a full bet?
It wouldn’t hurt to abstain from calling with weak poker hands.