Fast 2014-10-18: Poker truth about limiting field

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Even many poker pros assert that you should act to limit the field when you hold strong hands. They think that fewer opponents mean you take less risk of losing.

The risk part is correct. You’re less likely to lose if you raise and chase away players. But do you really want to do that?

Invite risk

Usually, the answer is no. You want to invite risk with strong hands. That’s the business of winning poker — inviting risk when you have an advantage. Yet, these pros are successful. Why?

It’s because the illusion they’re acting in accordance with often works in their favor. They raise to chase players away, but the value of a raise is strictly to win more money. So, they earn more when they’re called than when opponents fold. Their failure to realize this doesn’t cost money unless they succeed in limiting the field.

— MC | Follow-up link: → None

Also see:  → Why a Poker1 “Fast” category?  |  → All Poker1 “Fast” entries

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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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  1. Hello Mr Caro,
    I’ve played Hold ‘Em several times at the Pensacola Greyhound Track (& poker room), and
    have often faced a bully or two in no limit, and couples a few times. Your advice on conquering
    the bully has been very profitable and I’ve learned to wait and watch tables for teams before
    sitting down. The question about limiting the field is: When I flop an Ace high flush (holding the
    Ace) I tend to check or just call any bet before raising 1/2 pot on the turn. At times this may lose
    to a full house of better, but very rarely. Is it a decent strategy, or does it need modified based
    on conditions (opponent tells, skill level, etc)?

    May the best cards win,
    William White

    PS: the teams/couples I have encountered are none too bright, just annoying ;-)

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