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Playing When a Pair Flops

Although it’s a little-known fact, it is often profitable to bluff when a pair flops, especially if the flop does not include a straight or flush draw. (*This statement was especially true when Holdem Poker for Advanced Players was first published in 1988.)

When making this play you must also keep in mind that a good player will sometimes “play back” at you.

That is he will think that it is likely for you to be making this bluff and raise you with a weak hand.

When you think that this might be the case, you should consider taking it to a third bet and then betting the rest of the hand.

However, don’t do this automatically, and remember to consider your opponent.

Sometimes, usually when you have many opponents, you can make a “delayed bluff.” If you are in early position, instead of betting immediately when a pair flops, it is often best to check.

Now if a good player bets from a late position and you think he is capable of bluffing in this spot, you can call if no one else has entered the pot.

Assuming that no one calls behind you, you can bet into your opponent on fourth street.

What you have done is mimic a slowplay, and you often will pick up the pot.

Notice that it looks as though you called in the hopes of getting some other players between you and the bettor, and you are now afraid that he won’t bet if you check.

Also notice that if you do get any callers between you and the bettor, your play is essentially ruined.

Today, many more poker players are aware of this play, but it is still profitable in the right spots.

Here is an example of this play. In a many handed pot, suppose the flop comes:

You check from an early position, a strong player bets in a late position, you call, and there are no other players.

It is now correct to go ahead and bet on the turn, no matter what card hits.

Your opponent may even throw a queen away. (This is why you want to be against a strong player when making this bluff.)

Keep in mind that many players would never bet on the flop if they held a six.

Against such an opponent, this play online poker becomes even better.