PokerVic
Visionary
Silver Level
During my forays into the wilds of ring poker, I've come across a species that I find fascinating: the Min-bet Monster. It's not particularly common, but once spotted, it's patterns are unmistakable.
This creature raises normally with most hands, but whenever it is dealt AA or KK, it min-raises, regardless of position or number of limpers. It seems as if it is desperately afraid of not getting action with its monsters. There seem to be two sub-species, as well. One, continues to play lowball post-flop, giving great odds to chase draws. The other, turns up the heat immediately after the flop, shutting out all the action.
Now, I know this creature is dooming itself to extinction, but I'm wondering the best way to hunt it, especially from the sanctity of my big blind. Would you call with any two cards, safe in the knowledge that you can take everything it owns if you flop 2-pair or better? Or, is it only worth seeing a flop with a strong hand, such as a pocket pair? I'm sure math plays a big part in this equation. Would the type of sub-species make a difference in your calling range?
I'm currently leaning towards seeing a cheap flop, even with poor hands, hoping that narrowing an opponent to 2 or 3 possible hands will make up for the comparative weakness of my own hand. What are your thoughts?
This creature raises normally with most hands, but whenever it is dealt AA or KK, it min-raises, regardless of position or number of limpers. It seems as if it is desperately afraid of not getting action with its monsters. There seem to be two sub-species, as well. One, continues to play lowball post-flop, giving great odds to chase draws. The other, turns up the heat immediately after the flop, shutting out all the action.
Now, I know this creature is dooming itself to extinction, but I'm wondering the best way to hunt it, especially from the sanctity of my big blind. Would you call with any two cards, safe in the knowledge that you can take everything it owns if you flop 2-pair or better? Or, is it only worth seeing a flop with a strong hand, such as a pocket pair? I'm sure math plays a big part in this equation. Would the type of sub-species make a difference in your calling range?
I'm currently leaning towards seeing a cheap flop, even with poor hands, hoping that narrowing an opponent to 2 or 3 possible hands will make up for the comparative weakness of my own hand. What are your thoughts?