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MCU poker tip: Hold ’em, chasing a flush

When you begin with two suited cards and flop two more — meaning you need to catch one more of that suit on the 4th (turn) or 5th (river) cards, it’s often correct to continue to pursue the pot. So, if you start with K♥ J♥ in a either a no-limit or fixed-limit hold ’em game and the flop is 7♥ A♦ 4♥, you probably should call. Of course, it depends on the action that already happened, including the size of the wagering in no-limit.

Should you bet?

What about betting, instead of checking, if you’re first to act or everyone else has checked? That tactic should remain in your poker arsenal for deceptive purposes, but it is overused. Usually, the benefit of getting a free card outweighs the value of the deception.

Usually check, if that’s an option, and call or fold, otherwise. Raising with flush draws has become fashionable for some. And although this surprise tactic gets praised by TV audiences and commentators, it’s actually a long-term mistake in most situations.

But if there’s a pair on that flop, such as 10♥ 10♦ 7♥, you should fold more often. Why? It’s because the flush attempt is usually only marginally profitably (on average) without the pair present. The increased chances of you making a flush only to have it beat by a full house when a pair is present often makes the adventure unprofitable.

Beware of the pair

That’s why, if you think the pursuit of the flush would only show a small profit without the pair, you should almost always fold with the pair present. Rare exceptions might involve times when you can use the presence of the pair to bluff or to posture. — MC

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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.