At some point, there was a very hand before the other one which I raised on the button to $20 with A-J. I got three callers for it, thus making it a multi-way pot nonetheless. Then, the flop came, Q-Q-3, as a result everybody checked to me. To have an unusual move, I bet something like $24. Afterwards, “LaBarca” called, and everybody else at the table folded.

As expected, the turn came and it was a K and so he checked. In an instant, I felt the weakness and trouble in him. I also felt he longed at that time to see me check and eventually have a cheap showdown.

Well, I thought he must have a PP of 6-6 through 9-9. It didn’t appear to me like he is thinking of his trip Q’s, that he’d get maximum value from them. I believed, there should be at least some pondering stuff.

Later on, we’re on the turn and weakness is in the air. So what do you expect? I of course released fire again. I stood up for my readings, for what I felt and for what I believe in.

So then I bet $40 and he called again though quite hesitant and indecisive. At that point, my instincts were still strong, that actually, he wanted a cheap showdown. But I resisted, most especially that I had the T for a straight and an A or a J for a probable winning pair back then.

Eventually, the river came a random blank and he checked again. I bet another $80 into the pot without any doubt. LaBarca hesitated but then he later on called again. After which, I expected to see a Q and hoped could have bet more on the river. Perhaps $120-$150.

After all this, what do you think does my opponent has turned over? A-8 off for no hand as well as no draw but Ace high! Of course, we divided the pot the Q’s and the K being all aboard. I don’t totally understand what happened, to be honest.

Then, the very next hand I’m dealt, A-4 of hearts in the cut off. I eventually limped behind another limper. The BB as well as the button limped too, while SB folded. Afterwards, we take the flop four handed. Well, it comes off properly, 8-6-3 all hearts.

Consequently, the first limper checked and I quickly bet $10. Quite unexpected, the button opted to call and the first limper re-raised to $20. For a while, I went blank but eventually I called. After that, the button re-raised again to $56 while the limper called. Well, I felt I was in a perfect spot then as the button has flopped a flush and the limper has either a set or two pair. However, I didn’t went all-in. Still, I was into for a one pair or a draw.

Then the turn comes a 9c, and so nothing has changed. I then checked as the limper checked. And then for $418, the button went all-in. For a second, the limper hesitated but later for about $300 called all-in.

I didn’t wasted my time, and opted to call. Then, there were the Ks. Eventually, the button showed Q-9 of hearts for a flush while the limper showed 3-3 for a set of 3′s.

Any comment on how I’ve played at that instance? Thanks!

Chase

Chase,

For that first hand, I don’t see how the pot was a chop. You had A-J with a Q-Q-3-K-random board. Your opponent had A-8. Unless that card on the river was a 3, you should have won due to your kicker.

Based on what you explained, it sounded like you had a fantastic read on your opponent. I will say again, that based on what you told me, that should have been a winning hand.

For the second hand, you were able to see a flop cheaply and then flopped a monster. You played the flop masterfully. You bet out and then were raised. You then slowed down with the nuts and called. You then checked to the aggressor and let him bet for you.

The fact that your opponent flopped a set of three’s and called ended up being an added bonus. Fortunately the board didn’t pair. Even if the board paired and you lost, you still played the hand excellent. You let the other players bet for you and as a result, took two stacks.

You can play a wide variety of starting hands in deep stack no limit as the implied odds are good. The post flop play is also more complex as drawing hands have tremendous upside and bluffing is treated as more useful tool than any other stuff.

On the other hand, in extreme short stack no limit, position is very vital as a hand such as ATo may be an allin hand after some limpers when eventually you are on the button, however, on the flip side, maybe an easy fold when under the gun. Depends on the situation. About suited connectors, well they will just be worthless as you will never hit your hand. Pocket pairs on the better side are valuable because of their value as pair and not because of set making capability and all.

Thus, I’m now wondering. In medium stack no limit games, what hands are playable?

For an instance, in 1/2 game with effective stacks of $100, I will call $10 raises heads up with medium and low pocket pairs to try if I could have a set. In the event, there are other callers in the hand, a slightly higher raise will be called. In contrary to a good player I will fold a PP to a raise particularly out of position. This is to avoid any placing of a hand at the table.

Say for an instance I have to fold the hands, but eventually in the later part, I will walk in if a cheap multi-way flop comes in.

Then, for example, I will fold my AK in a deep stack game on a K98 flop. Or otherwise raise to $10 preflop, get one caller, flop comes K98, then bet about $20 and eventually 90$ stack in will be pushed and so will end up irritated and mad.

What do you think, what are the adjustments I need to make with regards to my pre-flop raising, limping and raise-calling requirements in the kind of games aforementioned? By the way, do the hands like suited connectors go down in value because of lack of odds? And what’s your opinion, should I just call in late position freely? Or otherwise just maintain a level of tightness like no-set-no-bet?

About the marginal hands in such games, how should I play them? Typically, you will never long to bet your stack on a marginal hand like top pair in deep stack no limit. On the flip side, you can never wait for too long just to have your chips in the middle with top pair in a short stack game. But how about when everyone else has medium stacks, do you think, how will you adjust or adapt?

Then, how do you decide or act if someone is placing pressure above your head because of being tight or because of having a good hand?

Anyway, do you have some secret moves? Moves that you normally use when you are in position or the like. And in games where everyone overvalues hands, should you semi-bluff particularly with your primary draws? Or otherwise when you have implied odds just opt to call?

I know I’ve asked so many questions, but please bear with me. I need guidance and clarity. I assure you your help will be much appreciated.

Thank you.

Steven Jon

Steven,

A strategy that you may want to develop for medium stack play is one that Daniel Negreanu likes to use and that is the “small ball” strategy. You want to try and keep the pots small preflop and see a lot of flops. This is a somewhat looser strategy and similar to the deep stack poker strategy that you use, but it does permit for large pots when a semi marginal hand flops big.

Suited connectors are the types of hands that work well in small ball. The odds don’t really change that drastically between medium and big stack poker. If you are a medium stack and stack a player or two, then you yourself have a big stack. See my point?

I would tighten up slightly in the games. I would shy away from the lower end of suited connectors and stay away from unsuited aces under A-9 unless you can get in for the blinds.

You need to develop your bluffing and semi-bluffing skills in any game you play. Semi-bluffs in games where people overvalue their hands can lead to huge profits.

There is a set of DVD’s by Rolf Slootboom regarding playing No Limit Holdem cash games. He covers strategies in various games. I would recommend that you pick up a copy.