01-25-08, LearnTexasHoldem:

How to Handle Calling Stations

Have been playing for a year or two. Mostly online. I know a bit about position and odds. Recently introduced my friends to poker and we are starting to have a regular game. The problem is that they are all serious calling stations and my online style wont work.

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For example, I had ace queen in mid position and raised four times the big blind. All four players behind me called! I know i should just tighten up and wait for premium hands but when the field just cant be narrowed to one opponent my premium hands are not so strong.

Any advice?

Answer:

I love playing no-limit holdem against calling stations, but you are right, some adjustments of your game have to be made.

Firstly, play your premium starting hands a lot more aggressively pre-flop (especially in position). If nobody folds when you raise four times the big blind, then raise ten (or even fifteen) times the big blind instead. Test different raises to see how much you need to raise in order to get the desired effect. But be more careful when you have bad position.

Secondly, play more speculative hands. With many players calling all the time you can limp with a wider variety of hands. You get to see the flop cheap and when you hit something good the chances of getting paid of are high. Hands I am speaking of here are low suited connectors, low pocket pairs etc.

An important thing when you are up against calling stations is to be aggressive when you hit a hand. Protect your hand and make the others pay (call against the odds) if they want to try to out draw you.

Good luck!

Regards,
Clark
Learn Texas Holdem

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