Champions of Poker

Hi,

Before my question, I would like to share something first. Just recently, I hosted an 11 man home tourney. I remember there were some aggressive college students who came and then keenly watched.

Earlier, there were more all ins than usual. Good as I thought I was able to move up slightly. However, I found out afterwards that there was a trouble ahead. I found a little under-dressed, off-suit.

Eventually, I raised three times the big blind. Consequently, table folded around except for one player who pushed all in all the way. The said player was actually the big stack. I believe he was just making fun then with a low pair. Later, I called all in while he flipped pocket sevens. On the flop, he was able to catch his 7 and so I was then busted out.

Now, I’m curious because of some stuff. When facing the big stack, should I consider folding A-K off thinking that I might be in a coin flip situation at some point? Also, do you think I should wait to push a smaller stack all-in in order for me to later on see where I stand considering the cards I have?

Another thing, I believe I am a much better player and so because of this I should have reduced volatility. What’s your thoughts on this?

Your help will be much appreciated.

Thanks and nice site!

Regards,
John Eastwood
John,

A-K against a chip leader is a tricky hand. Some people think it is great, but is really just a glorified drawing hand. I would have folded this hand preflop after the reraise unless I was short stacked. If I was short stacked, then I would have played it. Being all in short for a coin flip is not that bad a situation.

Hello,

I have actually two questions. But before that I want to share one of my most unforgettable experiences at the table first.

At the table, three of us were left for the pot. Well, I was the short stack however not by a lot. At some point, I saw As Kd and so I raised a not so big yet a not so small amount. Certain player called and then followed by the dealer. Flop came and brought 10c Ah Kh. Then I checked it to him while he opted to go all in. I then called and he showed he had Jh, 10s.

Later, the final two cards were 5h 8h.

The incident actually bothered me for some time though I knew then it was just a plain bad beat. It happened not only once but many times.

I thought it was just actually tough to play against maniacs and I’m still far from being a professional. However, I believe I am a smart player.

I’m thinking now if everything is all because of the way I play hands. I’m usually afraid to slow play and milk a pot. Similarly, I’m afraid to call all ins with great preflop cards. I don’t like playing too tight and skittish however I always get blindsided.

Now, I wanted to ask the following:

1. Do you know any good way how to lessen the maniac effect on me? And do you think I’ll be much better at higher stakes tables?
2. Was everything because of bad luck and for that I just have to continue playing without any trouble?

Thanks in advance!

Rolls
Rolls,

1. Bad beats happen at low and high stakes alike. Remember, when you are a good player, bad beats will happen. It is a part of poker. The key is to not let it affect your play. Continue to make good decisions and the results will even out in the end.
   
2. Exactly. This was just bad luck. Your play was fine. I would be happy if every time I called an all in my opponent had to catch runner runner to beat me. The majority of the time I am going to win. Remember, you will still lose a percentage of the time. That’s just a normal part of the game.

Hi,

I love playing poker on this one particular site. I remember it doesn’t ask for any money. But what’s quite surprising is that it awards some prizes for tournament plays.

One thing I notice is that because players don’t give any amount, they typically just place obviously low value on their chips, therefore I see many all-ins along the way as well as multi-way pots by which short stack is all-in.

I’m just wondering, is building a side pot sensible and in what circumstance? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Gary Punell
Gary,

It depends on your hand. If you have a really strong hand and think you can build a side pot, do so. If you think you can push people out, do so. You really want either maximum value for your hand in this type of situation or thin out the field to give your hand the best shot to win.