MCU poker tip: Don’t discourage a bet you plan to call

Sure, it’s only natural to stare an opponent down, reach for your chips, or otherwise try to prevent your opponent from betting on the final round when you’re uncertain about your hand. But, wait!

No reason

Before you do that, listen to me. If you intend to call anyway, there’s no reason for you to discourage that bet, even if you wish it didn’t happen. Your opponent is very unlikely to be prevented from making bets with hands strong enough to beat you.

But what you might discourage are bluffs. And bluffs are exactly the hands you’re hoping your opponent will have if you call.

Never

So, as a general rule, on the last round of betting against a single opponent, never discourage a bet you intend to call. — MC

Published by

Mike Caro

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Known as the “Mad Genius of Poker,” Mike Caro is generally regarded as today's foremost authority on poker strategy, psychology, and statistics. He is the founder of Mike Caro University of Poker, Gaming, and Life Strategy (MCU). See full bio → HERE.

 

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