More Questions and Some Random Hold'em Thoughts

Hi. Come on in. Today we're having one of your favorites. I've cooked up a humongous pot of macaroni and cheese, and tossed in slices of pepperoni. I have a few questions left from our discussion of a month ago.

If they play long enough, most players will eventually figure out that it's best to be the last to act, after the other players have already checked, bet, raised, and so on. That's usually the first glimmering of knowledge of position. So, the question is, "What's my position?" You should be aware of your position at all times. You shouldn't have to stop and think about it.

For players new to our beloved game, position in a poker game is simply a matter of how many players will be able to act after you do. You must consider what those players might do, before you decide what you are going to do. So, if you are first to act, you have to make your best evaluation about their possible reactions.

You won't want to bet into several hands yet to act if you are holding only a fair hand. If one of them raises, you either will be trapped for two bets if you call or will surrender one bet if you decide to fold.

However, if you are in last position and are holding that same fair hand, you'll already know what action the other players have taken when it's your turn to act. Now, you have much more information on which to base a decision.

Position will affect your play at the medium limits mostly with mediocre hands. When your hand is strong, you'll usually want to bet it no matter what your position – unless it's so strong that you decide to slow-play it, or go for a check-raise. Even then, you want to be aware of your position. How many players are left to act behind you? What will be their likely response to your action? (Notice how position figures into the question, "What's my objective?" from the last time we talked.)

You'll want to be constantly aware of how many players already are in the pot. What action have they taken? How many can still come in? What do I know about what they might do if I check, bet, call, or raise? And that last question ties into the fact that there is no substitute for knowledge of your opponents. Tom McEvoy drilled that into my head many years ago. Now I drill it into my students' heads. (Everyone thank Tom.)

Random thoughts that are reminders when I engage in battle at a medium-limit hold'em table: I find the game being played so fast today that I've decided, "It's better to fold early than to fold late." That's another way of saying that if the flop doesn't bring you strength or good potential, it's time to get away from your hand. I see even experienced players who have not yet caught up with "the new hold'em." It becomes the height of folly to consistently put yourself in situations in which you must draw out to win.

Being a conservative player, I put myself at a disadvantage at a hold'em table. Thus, I periodically remind myself to play aggressively with the nut-flush draw. It's the time to loosen up (gamble) while showing a little speed and establishing an image of action. In this situation, I'll show willingness to give action without having a made hand. This tends to make my opponents call my wagers when I'm not on drawing hands.

While on a flush draw, I want three or four opponents. This enables me to play my four-flush after the flop with a raise and a positive expectation. With four opponents, I'll be putting in one-fourth of the money. This, along with the dead money in the pot, gives good overall moneymaking potential.

The above thought also applies when I have the nut-straight draw with no flush danger. I can make money while establishing an action image.

Experienced players who aren't in the game just for the thrill of the gamble know that A-X suited in early position isn't much of a hold'em hand. (We do know that, don't we, boys and girls?) In late position, A-X suited is worth seeing the flop for one bet if several players already have limped in. If no one has called, I like to put in a raise from the button, trying to rob the blinds. If I do get a call, it will be from a player in one of the blinds who is probably suspicious of my positional raise. But I don't worry – as one ace plays well when heads up.

We ate that whole pot of macaroni and cheese? I'll have to go out for breakfast. Now I tire and require repose. Kill the light on your way out.

Roy West, best-selling poker author, continues giving his successful poker lessons in Las Vegas for both tourists and locals. Ladies are welcome. Call Roy's toll-free 800 number 1-800-548-6177 ext 03 or 702-873-7574