Calling from the small blind

#1 5th November 2006, 2:10 AM

Simple question. Playing heads-up, you should always call from the small blind with any two cards (or so says Harrington).

So if you're playing at a full table is it always correct to complete the small blind if the pot is unraised?

I play 6-max cash tables quite a lot quite, and often when you're in the small blind there might be one or two limpers. Sometimes I'm holding complete trash and I don't really want to play. But does it remain +EV to complete the SB with trash multi-way?

You're getting better pot odds, but presumably the limpers have better than average hands, plus you have bad position.

#2 5th November 2006, 2:51 AM

Well you're getting the same odds (3:1 without limpers), but unlike heads up, you'll be OOP after the flop which should have an effect on your play (ie not limping as much).

I personally have wondered the same thing, and am interested in other respones...

#3 5th November 2006, 3:37 PM

You know me Chuck, I don't know the odds but this is my take on it.

Myself, I don't usually complete the SB with a table full of limpers. IMO it's according what I have in my hand. If it's a weak ace, I won't usually. It's almost fruitless to complete it unless you have a high pocket pair or high suited, connectors. If that's the case you should be raising with the PPs If you do complete many times you won't hit the flop and most of the time you will folding on the flop.

#4 5th November 2006, 3:40 PM

How's this for an answer. Yes and no. Against just the BB you can play similar to standard HU. Raise w a better than average hand, and call with just about anything else. 3:1 odds HU against a random hand isn't a bad deal. Against any 1 or 2 callers, toss out the real dogs, but once you start getting over 9 or 10:1 odds then any hand will do. But beware; with that many callers don't expect too much from bottom 2 pair. Bet, but be cautious of any callers.

#5 5th November 2006, 4:59 PM

If pot odds say call, then I'll limp and see a flop. But knowing there are a number of limpers, I'll be very cautious in my play.

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