Poker is a lot more than just a game. Nothing should be left to chance if you want to win and have a chance to win a nice pot. You must develop tactics and know exactly how to respond to of your opponents’ attitudes and strategies.
The blocking bet is especially useful when your opponent has decided to play loose and is particularly aggressive.
The blocking bet: Generalities
The blocking bet is a tactic that experienced poker players master to perfection. As the name suggests, this strategy consists in making subtle bets with the intention to block the opponents. The particularity of this tactic lies in the fact that the player invests a modest sum to stay in the game.
Specifically, the player who controls the blocking bet can see the cards and can even reach the showdown without breaking the bank and without the enemy beating him to the punch. Therefore, it is a method of defense that will not determine your opponent to fold.
The player can call the blocking bet on the flop, that is to say when the players receive three visible cards, on the turn, which is the fourth community card or on the river, which is the final community card.
Objectives of the blocking bet
The blocking bet is a strategy that is aimed specifically at people with average hands. It prevents your opponent from placing a big bet. Because of this specificity, the blocking bet is a strategy to be used when you are not the last to speak.
A blocking bet gives you the opportunity to save money since you lose less money if your hand is lower than your opponent’s at the end of slaughter. Ultimately, the goal is to reaching the end of the game without having to bet big.
The blocking betalso stops your opponents from bluffing. Indeed, other players will easily account for your weakness. If you raise, this suggests that you have an interesting hand and that you are hopeful for the future. Thus, the other players will show more reluctance when it comes to collecting a payout even if they have a good combination in hand.
At what point should you use the blocking bet?
Above all, it is useful to recall that the blocking bet is primarily for players with an average hand like a middle pair, but who want to reach the end of the online casino tournaments. There is no reason to use the blocking bet if you have a strong combination in hand, so it would be a shame. You will not use this technique if you are playing against a weak opponent who plays tight and bets only on strong hands.
This is a very careful player who captures the river card. Ultimately, you must remember that the latter type of player will rely primarily on colors. Apply the strategy if the chances are minimal. Those who reach the end of the game and have a good chance of winning do not hesitate to play the card of the bluff.
The blocking bet is perfect against opponents who play loose and are aggressive. Although this is a tactic that plays in your favor, you should also know that this type of player will be watching your every weakness and will be particularly aggressive on the river.
He will certainly use the bluff if you pass. If you have a good combination and you decide to bet, the opponent will not be tempted to bluff especially if he is familiar to the system of check and raise. This tactic will also bring you good results against a basic player, whether he plays tight or loose.
In the event that you pass, your opponent will inevitably think that the card was bad and will form an even stronger hand. Once again, he will get the opportunity to save money.