Question about Limit poker.

[Talking Poker]

pshabi's response was dead on. Go pick up Winning Low Limit Hold'Em or Small Stakes Hold'em if you want to read more about pot odds... It's actually quite simple once you "get it."

The thing you need to keep in mind is to make the best LONG TERM decisions... Do that, and winning limit hold'em is easy.

[BrianSwa]

thanks for suggestions, I will be sure to pick them up and thanks.

[2Tone]

I had some trouble following the original post, but pshabi's advice is excellent. I'd also say that with a pair of 9s, that if I'm re-raised pre-flop, I'm NOT going to lead off with a bet once the flop hits, never mind re-raise, unless I hit my set. That's the other thing about (low) limit -- bluffing usually costs you money.

[PShabi]

I know Brian didn't specify 6-max, but

If you're playing 6-max, this will cost you bets at best and at worst cost you big pots.

If I'm on the button and you've shown that you can raise hands like A10, K10, KJ, QJ or small pairs up front (which good players do in this game) I'll 3-bet preflop with AK, AQ, AJ, KQ, 88, and 77 all of which you're beating.

If you bet your 99 into me on the flop, I'd raise you with the 77 & 88 on this flop for sure. If you've shown that you'll be passive with strong holdings (which 99 is on this flop) I'll have no problem raising AK, AQ, or KQ here for a free card on the turn. You'll probably give it to me and that's where you start losing pots when you're caught up with "saving bets."

I play very aggressively and I admit there are times when I can be too aggressive. This isn't one of this times though.

[2Tone]

Cool thread - I always appreciate threads that actually center around thinking/strategy.

As for pshabi's point, this might be the biggest difference between a full ring game and shorthanded. In my experience, even at a loose 2/4 tables, unless the player is a maniac, he's not going to three bet pre-flop with a low pair.

I'm not necessarily going to fold, but check calling makes much more sense here. If he has the inferior hand, I'll let him build the pot. If I do, I'm OK with checking it down. If I bet and he raises, I'm forced to likely throw good money after bad if I want to stay in.

I knew there was a great post on this and I went back and looked it up ... TP speaks the truth


This all said, I know I err on the side of being to tight/weak when I should probably be more tight aggressive.

[Talking Poker]

Glad youl iked that post, even though I never did get around to writing that "article." I did go into more detail later in the thread though, if anyone would like to see it:


Like pshabi, I'm mainly a 6 max player, but I agree with what he's saying here. I'm betting/raising flops ALL THE TIME with my 99 overpair. It's the only way to find out where I'm at in the hand, and while it's still cheap.

Edit: P.S. Good memory!