Keep Thinking, Keep Asking Questions

Hi. Come on in. We'll relax and sip eggnog while munching on the Christmas goodies my sister sent. They're genuine old country sweets. Today we'll give the new players some things to think about. And, of course, we'll look around in your poker mind.

Think about this: The importance of position is ignored by many seven-card stud players. Their reasoning is that hold'em and draw are games in which your position remains fixed throughout the hand. In stud, your position most often changes with each round of cards within a hand, and there is nothing that can be done about it – so ignore it. Incorrect!

The importance of your position does not lessen because your position can change from one round of cards to the next. You must be flexible enough to change your play along with your change of position. If you want to be a successful stud player, you must deal with this added burden. (Oh, the price we must pay for poker riches.)

Some questions: There is no relaxing when it comes to playing winning poker. My students are encouraged to keep asking questions, to keep learning. However, learn to ask the right questions. I'm often asked things such as, "If I have three sixes on third street, should I raise?" Before I could answer such a question, I'd need more information.

What is likely to be the result of your raise? Will it accomplish your objective? How many players are already in the pot? How many can yet come in? How has the betting gone to this point? Has there already been a raise? If so, do you want to tip the strength of your hand with a reraise? Are your cards live? Do you want to win this pot right now or build a bigger pot to win later? What is your position in relation to the high hand on the board, and the other hands? What action have you taken previously in this situation? And on and on. Don't do anything automatically. Think first.

Another thought: Inasmuch as poker is a game involving mathematical probability, it would be a good idea to learn something about that subject. What are the odds against making a flush in seven-card stud if three of your first four cards are suited? 8.5-to-1. What if three of your first five cards are suited? 23-to-1. But now, what if your first four cards are suited? 1.12-to-1. There are many books that contain information on odds and probability. Get one.

A related thought: Are you familiar with the difference between odds and probability? Odds are the likelihood of something occurring, expressed as the ratio of one number to another. Probability is an expression of the chances, given as a percentage, of something occurring. The probability of making that flush when you start with four suited cards is 47.2 percent. The odds against making it are 1.12-to-1. Got it?

A question: So what? Here's so what. Let's say the hand to which you are drawing is 6-to-1 against. There is $30 in the pot. Your single opponent bets $10. You must call $10 into a $40 pot. The pot is offering you only 4-to-1. Your hand is 6-to-1. That's not a good call. You fold.

Random thought: You are in a weak position if you start with a small pair on third street. If you must start with a small pair, I say your kicker must be higher than the upcards of your opponents. That way, if you make two pair on fourth street, it will be a strong two pair.

Random thought: Pay attention and keep asking questions inside your brain. What will be your next move? Think ahead. Example: If you are in late position, don't wait until the action gets to you before you figure out what you are going to do. Anticipate the possibilities. What cards are your opponents likely to be playing? If the high hand showing four to a flush checks, and the next player showing four to a straight bets, should you raise with your made flush, which will possibly drive out what looks like a straight draw behind you? If the first player bets the four to a flush, and the four to a straight raises, will you call, reraise, or fold? If, if, if – consider all the possibilities.

That's enough thoughts and questions. Now, I require a period of slumber. Finish the eggnog and kill the light on your way out.

Roy West, author of the bestseller 7 Card Stud, the Complete Course in Winning (available from Card Player), continues to give his successful poker lessons in Las Vegas to both tourists and locals. Ladies are welcome. Call 1-800-548-6177.