These turn cards are very important because they change the game momentum entirely. The power of the turn is really nothing compared to the power of the flop, so be sure to master the turn, if you want to win at Texas Holdem.
The first important thing to do after spotting the turn is to calculate the odds of completing your straight and flush. You can do this in two ways, either by counting the cards or comparing your cards to the cards on the table. The latter is a lot easier than counting cards, just memorise the cards in their place and you’ll be done. If you have trouble remembering what’s on the table, I suggest you play with a friend. Take notes on their cards, such as which cards came out, what cards were played and what cards were folded. This information should be mentally markings something on your own hand, so you’ll know if you made the correct decision.
Once you have your clear feedback, you can look at the pot odds and decide how you are going to play the turn. There are a couple of different ways to play the turn, but there’s no right or wrong answers. The first thing you should do is to consider your position. If you are in early position, you should be more eager to see the flop and play hands that aren’t face cards. When you are in late position, you can loosen up a bit and play more hands, especially if you have a good idea of what move your opponents are going to take.
If you are in middle position, you want to still play most hands, especially in early position. In late position, you can loosen up even more. You want to be in late position, because you will have the most information with which to act. Hands like A-A, K-K, Q-Q, and alike, are great in middle position because you can often steal the blinds with a raise.
Furthermore, the later your position, the better your chances of taking the pot. The later your position, the better your chances the flop. The later your position, the better your total cards. You want to always strive to be in the best position possible. Being in the best position means you will have the best chance of winning the pot.
Your goal when playing the turn is to complete you straight or flush. If you have already completed the straight or flush, you want to ensure that the board hasn’t paired (a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 on Dewalive). Be careful and don’t fall in love with any hand if it completing the flush or straight. It’s just a bet, so if it doesn’t improve your hand, just fold.
When you are in early position, you should lead out with a small bet when you spot opportunity. If you spot 2 or 3 of the same kind of card at the flop, then you should probably bet or raise. You want to draw some money into the pot. If you are in middle position, you should lead out with a larger bet. When you are in late position, you can check or bet.
Tips about Bluffing:
Your primary goal when bluffing is to make everyone fold. You usually want people to have good cards so you can win the money. However, if someone calls your bluff, that’s just the fee for the free call. If you are losing you typically will have to show the cards. However, if you are winning, you can keep a simple “bluff” in which you represent having a flush or straight when you don’t in reality.
When to bluff:
Your primary goals when bluffing are to make people fold, at least before they improve their hand. If you are terrible, and a flush or a straight seems likely, you should bluff all the time in primary position. Against decent players, you can even begin to bluff with something less than solid since they will think you have trash.
When to not bluff:
If you think someone is likely to fold, but you want to see the next card, you should bluff against small stacks to keep them in the pot.
Secondary Goals:
Successful play of the turn isbidounding. You should also prevent your opponents from calling your bluffs. If someone does call your bluff, you want to make sure you have a very good read on the players around the table.
If you can, play while you are behind. In particular, you should bluff against players who are not so good.
Conclusion:
Contained, this is by far one of the most difficult Texas Holdem poker tips to actually execute in a game.