During a short coaching session this evening, I touched on two kind of broad and complex theoretical topics. The student asked if he could get something in writing so that he could review them more closely, and I figured they might be of interest to everyone. So here’s a paraphrase of two clever things I said about poker today (note to self: these would make good articles):
1. When you’re concerned about getting bluffed, the best defense may not be to make a blocking bet nor to check and call. Instead, it may be to check and fold with the intention of checking stronger hands (or check-raise semi-bluffing) in the same spot. By mixing up your range in this way, you prevent exploitation without making a (admittedly marginally) -EV play.
2. When you have a strong-ish hand and your opponent has taken a strong or strange line that you suspect he could also take with many bluffs, semi-bluffs, and worse made hands, consider your relative skill, position, and information. The bigger an edge you believe you have in these categories, the more inclined you should be to keep the pot small so that you may take advantage of your ability to make better decisions on future streets. Raising or getting the money makes life too easy on your opponent by nullifying his disadvantages. Poker is easy to play from any position when all the money is in the middle.
By the way, as of tonight, I’m down to just one student and will be looking to take on a few more in the near future. I’ll post more details soon, but if you want to experience gems like these on a regular basis, feel free to shoot me an e-mail at foucault82@yahoo.com.