Poker is a game of calculated risks and psychological warfare. While many players stick to conventional strategies, the real winners often use subtle but effective tactics that go unnoticed. Alex Fitzgerald, a seasoned poker strategist, sheds light on some lesser-known techniques that can give you an immediate edge at the tables.
Overbetting: Pressure Your Opponents Into Mistakes
Overbetting is a weapon many professionals use, yet lower- and mid-stakes players often hesitate to pull the trigger. The idea is simple—when your opponent’s range is weak, apply maximum pressure and make them fold hands they otherwise wouldn’t.
Let’s say you raise from the cutoff, and the big blind calls. The flop comes A-K-2, and they check. Against a passive opponent who likely would have three-bet with strong hands like A-K, A-Q, or pocket kings, you can confidently fire a massive bet. Their range is often capped, meaning they hold hands that struggle to call a huge bet.
Another great time to overbet is when your opponent has likely missed a draw. Imagine you raised preflop, and the big blind called. The flop is 6♦ 7♦ 2♠, and they check-call your continuation bet. The turn brings a Q♠, and they check again. If they had a monster hand, they would have likely raised already. Instead, their range consists mostly of one-pair hands or busted draws. A massive bet here can push them out of the pot.
No-Limit Hold’em allows for bets of any size, so use that flexibility to put opponents in tough spots.
Why You Should Fold Rivers In Small Pots
This one surprises most players. But after analyzing thousands of hand histories, Fitzgerald found a strange pattern—whenever a small bet was placed in a small pot on the river, it was almost never a bluff.
Most players don’t like to bluff in minor pots. Why?
- They assume opponents won’t fold for a small price.
- They don’t want to feel stupid if they get called.
- They play more for comfort than optimal strategy.
So, if you’re facing a small river bet in a small pot and your hand can only beat a bluff, folding is usually the right move. Don’t convince yourself that calling is “cheap.” Those small mistakes add up over time.
Small Reraises Against Loose Opponents
Playing against aggressive, loose opponents can be frustrating. They open too many hands and don’t fold to three-bets. Instead of trying to push them around, adjust your sizing.
Rather than making a massive three-bet, a small reraise isolates them and gets you heads-up. You don’t need to shove all-in or overcommit.
For example, instead of three-betting a hand like K-8 suited, which might run into hands like K-J or A-10, target hands that dominate their range. A K-Q offsuit three-bet works better because they’ll often call with weaker hands like K-10 or Q-9 suited.
Playing with position and control makes post-flop decisions easier. Against weaker opponents, keeping the stack-to-pot ratio high allows for better maneuverability.
Why Folding Preflop From The Big Blind Is Often The Best Move
A common misconception is that you should always defend the big blind liberally. But when deep-stacked, calling with weak offsuit high cards can lead to disaster.
Consider this: You have K-5 offsuit in the big blind, and a player in position raises. You call, and the flop comes K-9-3. Sounds decent, right? But what happens when your opponent fires big bets on the turn and river?
- They can overbet with strong hands, putting you in a tough spot.
- You risk committing chips when their value hands dominate you.
- Even if they bluff, you might fold too often and lose money anyway.
When deep-stacked, hands like K-5 offsuit or A-7 offsuit become liabilities against skilled opponents. If they know how to pressure you, you’ll be caught in tricky post-flop spots, unsure whether to call down or fold.
Instead of getting trapped, folding these weak hands preflop saves you money and prevents difficult situations.
Avoid Getting Trapped In Multiway Pots
Multiway pots are dangerous, yet many players stay in hands they should abandon. Here’s an example:
- You have 6♠ 7♠ on the button.
- The middle position player raises, the cutoff calls, and you call. The big blind also calls.
- The flop comes 10♥ 6♥ 2♣. The big blind checks, the initial raiser continuation bets, and the cutoff calls.
At first glance, you might think about calling. You hit middle pair, after all. But look at the reality:
- Someone likely has a ten, putting you behind already.
- A seven might not even improve your hand if someone has an 8-9 straight draw.
- There’s still the big blind left to act, and they could check-raise.
Most players call here because they don’t want to “fold the best hand.” But that’s the wrong mindset. Folding when behind is correct, even if you sometimes fold the best hand. Instead of trying to force a marginal situation, save those chips for a better opportunity.
Poker is about making fewer mistakes than your opponents. The best players don’t just rely on textbook strategies—they exploit weaknesses others don’t even realize they have. By overbetting in key spots, folding in small river pots, and avoiding unnecessary risks in multiway pots, you can immediately level up your game.
Want to stay ahead? Think beyond the obvious and make moves others won’t.
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