It's better to win a small pot than to lose a big one

This is especially important at the beginning of play. For example, if you're holding 8,9 suited and the flop shows 9, 6, 2 of mixed suits then at that moment you're holding top pair - not a great hand but better than most at the table. This would be the ideal time to try and win the pot. Raise the bet and try and capture the pot now. If you can help it, don't let this hand go any further.

If you only bet the minimum amount or you raise and still someone calls then you have to be prepared to fold. If the turn brings anything higher than a 9 then chances are you've not got the best hand. If this happens, swallow your pride and check - and fold if someone bets. If you bluff, there's a big possibility you will be called or raised as there is only one card to go and the player thinks he is holding a better pair than you. You could end up losing a lot more than you should have had you not been so headstrong, and this may affect the rest of your game.

Written by: Thomas Lamatsch

 

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