allaboutpoker

OK, here’s the next installment of our KQs hand, but today we’ll discuss raising for value.  It’s the same hand and the same action, but a different take on what we’re doing here.

You hold KsQs and call a raise in the BB after multiple players call.  Six players take the flop, which is Kd 2s 4s.

(note there are now 12 small bets in the pot)

The preflop raiser is very solid.  You bet and another player calls, then the preflop raiser raises again.  Two players call the raise, you reraise, get called again, and the raiser caps it.  Both other players call, you call, five players left.

(note there are now 27 small bets in the pot)

OK.  Here is the new concept for today’s discussion: raising for value.  You flopped top pair, good kicker, and thus a bet is  in order.  There’s a caller and a raise, then two more callers.  That’s four opponents likely to finish the round, yet your chance of making the flush by the river is only 1.86:1 against.  You know you’ll be going to the river here, no matter what comes, and that no amount of turn betting is likely to get you to fold.  Reraise.  Hope your opponent caps and everyone calls.  Getting the money in now, while you’re holding a terrific draw, plus there’s some chance you might have the best hand, is a great idea.

The turn comes the 2h.  You check, the preflop raiser bets once more.  The other two opponents call, you call, the last player folds, four players.

(note there are now 35 small bets in the pot)

There is no need to continue raising on the turn, because now your chances of making the flush have dropped.  However, you’re still getting great pot odds.  Some case could be made for betting again here, but given the situation, I’d probably check/call the turn.

The river is irrelevant.  Bet if it’s a spade (unless that spade puts two pair on the board). Otherwise check/call no matter what card it is.

You must get value on your draws, and raising the flop with a flush draw can often be a great way to do this.  We’ll discuss more about raising with draws in a later blog.

PokerGuru

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