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Strategy

Value bets, bluffs, and the right mix.

4 steps, as text; answers are folded so you can test yourself. · step through the interactive version →

  1. 01, open this step in the interactive version
    EVfold 0 · call +2 · raise +5

    Every choice has a value over the long run. Strategy means picking the one that earns the most, again and again.

  2. 02, open this step in the interactive version
    Your cardsA♥ K♥BoardQ♥ J♥ 10♥ 4♣ 2♠Best fiveA♥ K♥ Q♥ J♥ 10♥

    You have the best possible hand on the . Why bet?

    To make better hands fold · To get called by worse hands

    show answer

    answerTo get called by worse hands

    whyNothing can beat you, so a bet can only win more from hands that call. That’s a .

  3. 03, open this step in the interactive version
    Your cards6♣ 5♣BoardA♦ K♠ 9♦ 8♥ 2♦

    Now you missed everything and can’t win if the hands are shown. Why might a bet still work?

    Better hands might fold · Worse hands might call

    show answer

    answerBetter hands might fold

    whyIf you can’t win at , a bet can only win by making them fold. That’s a .

  4. 04, open this step in the interactive version
    EVvalue +5 · bluff +2 · check 0

    Value bets and bluffs, in the right mix, from the right seats. The For nerds section works out the exact numbers.