My biggest problem with these has been fairly early in the tourney with blinds at maybe 20/40 - 25/50 when someone raises 160-200. I'm still trying to grasp pot odds so I'm not sure if that is a call or fold. That size raise is fairly common at those levels, from what I've seen, with top pair.
Maybe post a hand history we can help you with, I don't understand the example you gave. Did they raise 160-200 pre or on the flop? If on the flop, what is the size of the pot already.
Should I be betting a draw on the flop or checking it?
Oddly enough, I was going to start a thread asking about this today.
There are arguements for and against both.
Betting a straight or flush draw advantage:
- Builds the pot to give a bigger payout when you hit.
- Gives you two ways to win the pot (opponent folding, or you hitting on the next street).
- Harder to put you on a hand range. If you always check draws or bet made hands, good opponents can exploit this (e.g giving you bad odds when you check or slowing down when they have a marginal hand and you bet).
- If you miss you can try a (costly) bluff if you think your opponent will fold (as you have the image of having a decent hand).
Disadvantages of betting a straight or flush draw:
- Opponent can re-raise meaning you've just invested a lot of chips without a made hand, and you'll probably have to fold.
- If you miss and think your opponent won't fold, you've invested a lot without a hand with showdown value. You'd have to either check the river (knowing you're behind) or try a bluff which could likely be called.
- Another one I can't think of ATM.
So I figure you'd have to play your image, your opponents tendancies, and your position.
If your opponent is passive calling station and you have a draw, it's probably better to check and get a free card. If you hit, go to value town.
If your opponent is aggressive and he checks the flop to you, you could check back to avoid him check-raising.
If your opponent is weak-tight, betting will usually take down the pot.
Anyone have more input because help is always appreciated in this area.