Setting up

Previously we looked at pot- limit versus no-limit and their differing nuances, particularly early doors. In pot-limit, we can’t jam the pot in the early levels, so we have to confront the dreaded scenario: playing flops, down the streets, all the way, like grown-ups. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s beyond doubt that learning your craft in pot-limit is the best grounding for no-limit.

FACING A SET

In pot-limit, there’s one statement I hear so often: why do we see so many sets? Well, I can’t deny that we do; and the reason is right there, staring us in the face. We have to see a lot more flops in pot-limit because players can’t be muscled off their small pairs pre-flop that easily. And, remember, a set is the most powerful hand in poker, because it’s invisible.

So, what do we do if we flop our set, and more pertinently, if we are on the receiving end of one? Let’s look at the latter first. Say we have Aces, or in the vicinity thereof. We raise it up by the pot and find a caller. Happy days, that’s the plan, and because we cannot over-raise, we are always going to find a customer or two. We see a flop of 10-6-2 rainbow – perfect! No draws, no danger.

But now is the time to be very wary. We bet out, and we get a call, after, no doubt, some customary dwelling and acting. What could he be calling with? If he has King, Queens or even Jacks, surely he would have re-popped us pre-flop? Suited connectors? Connected to what?

Once Mr Oppo has called our flop bet we need to put the brakes on, sharpish. It screams ‘set’. It may seem a statement of the obvious, but unless you are a complete beginner, it’s possible to see if a straight or flush, or even just a draw to either, exists. But we cannot see a set. And this is where more players go broke in hands versus sets than any other scenario. It’s simple – we fall in love with our Kings and Aces, and can’t let go. But you have to remember this: it’s only one pair!

So, if you sense resistance and you’ve been watching the player’s traits, it’s time to slow down, check until he bets and then be brave. Pass your Aces. If nothing else, it’s something to chirp about to your mates the next day so you actually sound like you know what you are doing. ‘I passed Aces last night – I just knew he had a set.’

KEYPOINT

If you’ve raised pre-flop with a big pocket pair, got called and continue to face resistance on an untextured, unconnected flop, there’s a strong likelihood that your opponent may be holding a set. Do the right thing and pass if it’s getting too expensive to stay in

FLOPPING A SET

Now, on the brighter side, let’s see what we should do when we flop our long-awaited set. First up, position is everything when determining our strategy, followed by some understanding of how our opponent will play this.

Traditionally, we always trap-checked with sets. But these days the sexy thing is to bet out with them. So, in early position, stick in a feeler bet. Do it hesitatingly, though – all the acting helps. And if we are last to act, well, we just have to make the bet look like a steal.

Actually, in late position with a set, I leave my action until the turn or river, especially if we have more than one opponent. Those two free cards we gave are, statistically, likely to hit at least one of them. Now they have something to go to war with. So a teaser bet on the end, Mr Big Pair re-pops, and we’ve got him.

The dream scenario is something like 5-5 on the small blind in a family pot. There’s no point trying to thin the field here – playing small pairs out of position is strictly for the pros. If we get lucky and flop our magical 5, happy birthday. Now we need to go a stage further and watch the board develop.

We are looking for paint now. Even if none of the limpers hit, at least one of them will represent the face card. If you are on the button, you have limped for no other reason than to steal this pot. So, what cards do you need to see? Face cards, obviously, and the bluffer will bet them 24/7. So, check, be patient, and if it’s a half-decent table, some wise guy will try and take it.

Finally, what about the set-over-set situation? I actually saw a hand recently when all three players flopped their set on a K-10-7 flop. Two went broke. Was that avoidable? No. For me, if I hit my set, I may well pass to a potential straight or flush, but I’m never going to include the possibility of another set being out. You can’t have second thoughts when you hit a set. Get your chips in, and if you’re facing an over-set, too bad, that’s poker.

Three-way set? It happens, but you can’t worry about other sets. If you lose, that’s poker