04- 9-07, LearnTexasHoldem:

When is the right time to call?

Question:

Hi. I recently took up texas-holdem again, and it has been 2 yrs. i was surprised that you still kept the site and not only that it is now better. and i respect you on keeping the site and helping the rest of us on improving.

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Now onto my question, when is the right time to call? it seems that for me the only 3 buttons i press on my computer are raise , bet and fold (call preflop though).

i know my stuff about bluff and semi- bluff, i bet to test out the water. and i raise sometimes to get more information or give my opponent/s a hard time.

however, i found myself folding alot whenever i don't hit the flop(rasing would result in them calling). and to me it just seems that i should be calling more (normally you get calling stations, guess i am a folding station.) what are some good situation to call a bet?

thanx for reading
H.W

Answer:

Hi H.W!

You are indeed right that the best way to play is to bet, raise or fold in most cases, but some situations may definitely warrant a call. The classic example of this is when you flop a monster hand, like a full house. If there are players left to act behind you, you don't want to discourage them from calling.

On the other hand, if you are an aggressive player (and you seem to fit that description) and play a single opponent, there is little reason to slowplay a great hand. It would just seem out of place and make your opponent cautious. Just play your usual game, bet or raise but with the hope of being called or re-raised.

And about folding when you don't hit the flop: this is just sound play in small- to medium stakes games. With several opponents, the flop is bound to help someone, and throwing your hand away when you miss is just part of a solid poker strategy.

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