dangbaonguyen93
Rock Star
Platinum Level
Allin at first seemed to be violating my basic betting rules. Most bets are some fraction of the current pot. A small bet is about 1/2 the pot or less, while a large bet is from 3/4 to the entire pot. In regular play, where the stacks are relatively deep and there is still plenty of play in the hand, betting larger than the current pot size is unusual and often ineffective. Pot-sized bets are large enough to accomplish almost anything that larger bets can accomplish.
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However, everything changes when the stack size becomes smaller compared to the blinds and antes. Now we have to look at our bet size and compare it to the pot and what's left in our stack. Does betting, calling or raising cause me to commit? If our opponent calls or raises, is the pot so large compared to our stack that pot odds force us to stay in the hand?
If you are in a pot commit situation, you should usually go allin instead of betting normally. Compared to regular Bet, Allin offers several advantages:
1. Maximum fold equity. By allining instead of betting smaller, you maximize the chances that your opponent will fold.
2. No Fold Equity for competitors. By allining you eliminate the chance that your opponent could push you out of the hand later.
3. Minimum pot odds. Allin gives his opponent the worst pot odds he can call.
4. Maximum chance of hitting the hand. With a hand like the AK preflop, you want to see all five cards to increase your chances of making a winning pair. But if you miss the flop, it will be difficult for you to continue facing a big bet. So by allin preflop, you are guaranteed to see the turn and river.
5. Minimum information disclosed. If you allin preflop, your opponent will receive the minimum possible information about your range except that you find it good enough to play all the chips. You can have large pairs, small pairs, a few Broadway cards or just suited connectors.
When do we pot commit against a player with a larger stack? As in most poker situations, the appropriate answer is It depends.
1. If the stack is three times smaller than the current pot or less, then you pot commit.
2. If the stack is three to five times larger than the current pot, you are in the gray area. Although you can bet and still fold, allin is an option you need to consider. The stronger your hand and the wider your opponent's range, the more likely you are to pot commit
3. If the stack is more than five times the current pot, you have not been pot committed. But if you bet and get called, you probably will. (the pot has gotten bigger and your stack has shrunk.) Consider the options carefully.
Besides watching your own stack, of course, you also need to watch your opponents. If his stack is smaller than yours and he commits, so are you. Additionally, with a strong hand, you have options: you can bet him on yourself if you believe he can still call, or make a small Bet and let him make an allin. And if your hand is good but not a monster hand, then it's often better to maximize Fold Equity by allining first.
article 17.jpg
However, everything changes when the stack size becomes smaller compared to the blinds and antes. Now we have to look at our bet size and compare it to the pot and what's left in our stack. Does betting, calling or raising cause me to commit? If our opponent calls or raises, is the pot so large compared to our stack that pot odds force us to stay in the hand?
If you are in a pot commit situation, you should usually go allin instead of betting normally. Compared to regular Bet, Allin offers several advantages:
1. Maximum fold equity. By allining instead of betting smaller, you maximize the chances that your opponent will fold.
2. No Fold Equity for competitors. By allining you eliminate the chance that your opponent could push you out of the hand later.
3. Minimum pot odds. Allin gives his opponent the worst pot odds he can call.
4. Maximum chance of hitting the hand. With a hand like the AK preflop, you want to see all five cards to increase your chances of making a winning pair. But if you miss the flop, it will be difficult for you to continue facing a big bet. So by allin preflop, you are guaranteed to see the turn and river.
5. Minimum information disclosed. If you allin preflop, your opponent will receive the minimum possible information about your range except that you find it good enough to play all the chips. You can have large pairs, small pairs, a few Broadway cards or just suited connectors.
When do we pot commit against a player with a larger stack? As in most poker situations, the appropriate answer is It depends.
1. If the stack is three times smaller than the current pot or less, then you pot commit.
2. If the stack is three to five times larger than the current pot, you are in the gray area. Although you can bet and still fold, allin is an option you need to consider. The stronger your hand and the wider your opponent's range, the more likely you are to pot commit
3. If the stack is more than five times the current pot, you have not been pot committed. But if you bet and get called, you probably will. (the pot has gotten bigger and your stack has shrunk.) Consider the options carefully.
Besides watching your own stack, of course, you also need to watch your opponents. If his stack is smaller than yours and he commits, so are you. Additionally, with a strong hand, you have options: you can bet him on yourself if you believe he can still call, or make a small Bet and let him make an allin. And if your hand is good but not a monster hand, then it's often better to maximize Fold Equity by allining first.
