Bluffing with a Flush draw

#1 19th October 2008, 2:33 PM

Ok..So i've seen bits an bobs about raising when on the FD to try an take the pot down. But say for example we're on the button, we juice up to 3x bb with 89s and get called by both blinds flop comes Qs 4s 2o. SB bets out 60% of the pot and the BB calls. Would this be a fair time to raise? How much would we need to raise? This is only an example and player tendencies, habits etc would all be considered. I'm really trying to find the optimal amount to raise. Surely we don't just double the bet? Or do we? or do we just flat call? Would all of this be implied if we were HU, button vs BB or is it played differently?

Cheers

#2 19th October 2008, 3:27 PM

Given the fact that two players called, I doubt you'll get both to fold by raising this spot. I'd rather just use the awesome odds you're getting on your money & call.

The trick is, while raising with a flush draw is a semi-bluff, its still a bluff. You still need your opponents to fold to make it profitable. So all your questions can really be answered by that simple fact: When to raise? When you can get them to fold most of their range. How much to raise? A raise that is large enough that it has fold equity, but small enough that doesn't have to work every time.

#3 19th October 2008, 5:02 PM

^^^^^Excellent Point! The classic semi-bluff situation. I too would agree that just calling would be a more profitable situation because say you hit your spade on the turn. Now you have two players to act in front of you and this could mean jackpot! (of course taking into mind that they may also have a bigger flush draw). but lets say you DONT hit your flush on the turn. Now you can get out of the hand with minimal loss. Hope ive been of help!

#4 19th October 2008, 7:53 PM

I would bet for value, not necessarly to get the others to fold (although that would be a nice bonus if you could take down the pot right then).

#5 20th October 2008, 1:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paw_kit Aces

I would bet for value, not necessarly to get the others to fold (although that would be a nice bonus if you could take down the pot right then).

What worse hands are going to call us when we bet for value? A worse flush draw? A straight draw? Those are really the only hands that are worse than ours unless we have some sort of super combo draw.

#6 20th October 2008, 2:04 AM

This happened to me today in a 90 player tourney on Full Tilt. I smooth called in the same situation. The turn was a blank, a player checked and
middle position player bet a little less than half the pot. I thought about it and folded. I figured I was 20% at best with only one card to come.

So when you flop that draw, and are acting late with two players in the pot, you might want to think about an exit strategy if the turn is a blank.

About 30% percent of the time I would either move in on the flop or re-raise w/ the intent of pushing if called.

#7 20th October 2008, 9:02 AM

Depending on how high the bet is I usually just call. Unless if it's a big bet, then I just fold.. Completely depends on the situation and bet size really. It's hard to tell.

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