No-Limit Holdem: Table Dynamics (Part II)

See also

• No-Limit Holdem: Table Dynamics (Part I)
  
• Stealing in No-Limit Holdem
• The Typical Low-limit Hold'em Game

Let's consider another example of table dynamics.

A regular open-raises on the button, and we decide to call in the blinds with Q J. The flop is J 4 3. The obvious play here is to check to the raiser, as we're extremely likely to pick up a c-bet. Then, we can call or raise, depending on image and other considerations (usually calling). Now, let's add a table dynamic wrinkle. A fish limps in MP, the same regular raises on the button, and we call in the blinds with Q J. The fish calls as well. The flop is J 4 3 again, yet this time we shouldn't check to the raiser. Why not? First of all, we have a hand that we can bet for value against the fish—he's likely to call us with worse hands (draws, worse J's, smaller pairs). Secondly, in a multiway pot (especially with a fish who is likely to call a bet on the flop), the regular's c-betting range becomes narrower and stronger. Too often we miss value from the fish, give free cards to both opponents, or pay off by check-calling down against the regular.

You're probably wondering what to do if you lead and the regular raises. It's usually a simple answer—fold. When you lead into a player you know is likely to call you (the fish), your hand range looks strong to anyone paying attention. Thus, if the regular raises, he is unlikely to have a weak hand or a bluff. If he has a draw he has to be concerned about a bet/3-bet line, and will probably just call your lead to protect his equity. If he has a set, he'll want to raise, hoping to induce a bet/3-bet line and to prevent a free card for a potential flush draw. The only potentially difficult spot comes when the regular holds a stronger top-pair or an overpair and decides to call our flop bet. However, we can deal with that on later streets, simply asking ourselves if betting the turn for value is too thin given that possibility.

The flip side of this scenario conies when a regular raises in MP and a fish calls on the button. Once again we have Q J on a J 4 3 board. This time, it is probably better to check and let the action unfold in front of us. If the regular checks, it gives the fish a chance to bluff at the pot. If the regular bets and the fish raises, we can comfortably fold. If the regular bets and the fish calls, we can usually call one street and see what happens on the turn (sometimes we'll even be able to check-raise this spot, occasionally getting the regular to fold a better hand and getting the fish to call with a worse one!). However, even here an argument could be made for leading the flop if we think the regular is unlikely to c-bet at a high percentage. In that case, we're simply betting the flop for value. However, it's not as clear of a bet as if the fish were directly on our left.

The overall point of table dynamics is to understand that the best way to play a hand depends on more than just our cards, their cards, and the board. How different types of players play, where they're sitting, the sizes of their stacks, and number of them involved in a pot all affect our decisions. To make the best decisions, understanding table dynamics is critical.