Poker Coaching: Getting Full Value Against A Weak Range

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Key Concept: Getting Full Value Against A Weak Range

You are eight-handed in a $1-$2 cash game with $200 in front of you. A straightforward player limps from the lojack and it folds to you in the cutoff with A J.

Question 1: Should you fold, call, raise to $10, or raise to $16?

Answer: The best option is to raise to $10 to ensure the initial limper calls with all sorts of junky hands you crush. If for some reason you think a $10 raise will attract a lot of callers, you can rationalize making it $16, but in general, as you raise larger, it makes it easier for the initial limper to fold their junk, which is not a good result for you.

You raise $10 and only the limping lojack calls. The flop comes A 9 2 and the lojack checks.

Question 2: Should you check, bet $8, bet $16, or bet $24?

Answer: Always consider who has the range advantage and whether or not your opponent’s range connects well with the board. In this situation, you have the range advantage and your opponent does not because you have all the strong A-X in your range.

The best way to punish opponents when they lack the range advantage is to bet small with all of your range. Betting $8 crushes your opponent because they will fail to defend often enough, giving you a lot of equity with your entire range.

You bet $8 and your opponent calls. The turn is the 3 and your opponent checks again.

Question 3: Should you check, bet $14, bet $28, or bet $42?

Answer: While there are some combinations of hands that beat you, there should not be many of them in your opponent’s range and you block some of them holding the A. On the flip side, there are a ton of hands in your opponent’s range that you not only beat, but will likely call an additional bet.

You are in a great spot to bet, but you have to be careful to not bet too large. If you bet too large, all you will do is force your opponent to fold hands you want them sticking around with. $28 and $42 are too large of bets and will likely scare away your opponent, so bet $14 and continue adding money to the pot.

You bet $14 and your opponent calls. The river is the 10 and your opponent checks again.

Question 4: Should you check, bet $25, bet $50, or go all-in?

Answer: The theory you applied on the flop and turn is still applicable on the river. Yes, you only have one pair, but unless you picked up a tell suggesting your opponent vastly improved on the river, this is another prime spot to bet small.

A $50 bet will force your opponent to fold many hands that you beat, while a $25 bet will likely attract a call from hands such as Q-9. If for some reason the straightforward limper happens to check-raise, you should probably fold, but as played so far, you are likely ahead and should pursue some more value. 

You bet $25 and your opponent folds. While you couldn’t secure additional value on the river, your appropriate bet sizing on the flop and turn provided you with a decent pot. ♠

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