Poker is the perfect combination of luck, skill, and strategy. Mastering the art of poker requires learning as many strategies as possible, so you will always have a nifty trick to pull out of your sleeve. One of the most commonly used poker techniques is called block bets – a simple, yet efficient, tool that can help you control the outcome of the game every time you complete the Everygame Poker login process.
But what are block bets? Why should you use this poker technique? And how can you increase your chances of winning with this poker tactic? Let's find out the answers to all those questions.
What Are Block Bets?
Block bets, or blocker bets, are small bets made by a player in the hopes of preventing his opponents from placing bigger bets. Usually, those bets are worth no more than 20-40% of the pot, and they are made by a player who is out of position.
Your goal in placing this small bet is to make your opponents unsure of your hand's worth, thus encouraging them to call instead of raising and making your raise your bets as well.
The Benefits of Using Block Bets
There are multiple reasons why you should add this poker tactic to your arsenal, but the following three are the main ones:
- They Allow You to Control the Pot Size: Blocker bets allow you to manage the size of the pot, especially when you’re uncertain about the strength of your hand, therefore, minimizing the risk you're taking.
- They Allow for Information Gathering: By making a small bet, you can gauge your opponent's reaction, which might give you insights into their hand strength.
- They Are a Useful Protection Tool Against Aggression: When you suspect that your opponent has a strong hand, a blocker bet can deter them from increasing their aggression at the pre-flop stage.
When Should You Use Block Bets?
You should only consider block betting if the following factors apply to you:
- When you are out of position. Playing out of position is especially hard since you don't have enough information to make calculated decisions. By block betting, you will be able to tread carefully while gathering more data on your opponent's hands and strategies.
- There is a decent chance your hand is better than your opponent's hand, but it is not certain.
- If you check, there is a chance your opponents will put pressure on you with medium or large bets.
- If you choose to place a medium or large bet yourself, you'd get called by too many players with better hands.
The Risks of Block Betting in Poker
Competing against seasoned players means there's a chance they are already familiar with the block betting technique, and they will understand what you're doing sooner than you would like.
If you block bet too often and your moves become predictable, your opponents will use a counter strategy of bluff raising to put you in a tough spot. That is why it is important you use this poker tactic (and any other technique you've learned, for that matter) moderately and with great caution. Change your playing style from time to time and throw in some large bets into the mix to throw everyone off your scent.
Do You Think You Can Block Your Opponents Effectively?
Now that you know what block bets are and when you should use them, do you think you're prepared to use this strategy in your journey to become a better poker pro?