04-28-05, LearnTexasHoldem:
Signs Of Being Trapped
NL $1/$2. Lets say I hold AK, raise 3 x the big blind and get called by 2 players. The flop comes KT6 with 2 suited cards. I make a pot sized bet and get called by one player. He could have AK, KQ, KJ, KT, QJ, Axs, Kxs or 66. Say the turn brings a "safe" card, how should I play it? If I make a big bet and he holds 66 or KT, I'm in big trouble. If I check or bet small, I make it cheap for him to draw. Any advice on how to play this? If the flop had been K72 rainbow, I would be more likely to assume I was being trapped.
Many thanks
Dave from Scotland
Top 3 Beginner Rooms
Answer: People are predictable. The best way to know if you are presently being trapped is to watch how the players previously played similar hands. What you need to look for is how they play top pair and draws. Most players will raise their top pair hands on the flop to test the preflop raiser. If you have a hand like KJ or KQ with a King high flop, it is pretty rare to raise the turn in a full table cash no limit game against a preflop raiser.
On the other hand, players frequently wait till the turn or river to raise their strong hands like two pair or trips. Also, watch out for the few players who are capable of making big raises with hands you could beat. Frequently you'll find a player in no limit holdem that likes to bluff too much, so obviously against this type of guy you can't lay down top pair best kicker. Cash games are slightly different than tournaments. In a tourney, you probably are stuck with top pair best kicker unless some really ugly cards come off and it is a multi-way pot. In a cash no limit holdem game, you shouldn't lose much with one pair.
Next, I'm more likely to pay off a slow player if I have a hand that is better disguised. For example, if I have QQ and the flop is J-9-7, I'm more likely to call big raises than if I have AK and the flop is A-J-7. The reason is that when I bet into an Ace high flop both on the flop and turn, I've given everyone at the table a fairly good idea of what I have. On the other hand with the Jack high flop, I may get lots of action from someone with AJ; my hand isn't so obvious.
Lastly, some players are incapable of large bluffs. It is a big mistake to miss that sign and pay their good hands off. If someone only is in with strong hands and you've defined what you have and yet he still raises, you should muck.
I feel like I haven't given you much help here. The best advice I can give is what I mentioned first: watch how the opponents are playing and get a feel for what is typical. Paying attention pays big dividends later when you are against them and are in a tough spot.
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