Block Betting
Block betting is a term given to a bet that is made on the river, from an early position, in an attempt to control the size of the bet. There are only a couple of situations where this poker strategy will work, so it’s not one that should be used very often. If you’re holding a online poker hand that you would like to take to showdown, but you don’t want to risk too many chips, the block bet can be a good option.
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Instead of checking a river card to your opponent, who could bet any amount they want to, you put out a smaller bet that your opponent is likely to call. That allows you to get to showdown cheaper than you would if your opponent decided to attempt to pick up the pot by making a big bet. If your opponent bets too much, you may end up folding the best hand.
This bet also gives you the opportunity to win the pot on the river if your opponent was on a draw, or they decide that what they’re holding isn’t enough to take down the pot. The bet also indicates strength, and shows that you’re holding something. Only a monster hand would raise your bet, and you’ll know you’re probably beat if that happens. It’s still better than calling off most of your stack if they’re allowed to force the action on you.
Choosing to make this play should include the player type with which you’re in the hand. It works best against a passive player who calls bets all the way to the river, likely on a draw or lurking to make two pair while holding a small pair. Don’t try a block bet against a tight player who likes to trap opponents because your bet will be like throwing away chips.
You can save a lot of chips in a tough hand by putting doubt in your opponent with a river bet from early position. If you get called, and have to show that you make a block bets with mediocre made hands, be wary of opponents trying to trap you with big hands.
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