Flop texture

wader

Dave
In this thread http://pokerforum.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=3663 yout talk about betting out with any hand because of the texture of the flop. Can you tell me which flops you are more prone to bet out at an which ones you will not and why?
Thanks
Wader

Dave Scharf

I don't see specifically in that thread where I talk about flop texture.


Anyway, the question always is: "What's he got and what will he do with it?"

So, suppose I have an average stack of 30 x BB and I raise in middle position with A-Ko to 3 x BB. The button (another average stack) flat calls. The flop is 9-8-6 with two hearts. Will I bet out? It will depend.

Is the button the sort of a player that likes to play "implied odd" hands... think like middle and small pair and suited connectors if he thinks he can win a big one? If he is the I HATE this flop. His range of hands is all over it. So... check and fold.

But, what about a flop of Q-7-3 rainbow? I am much more likely to fire at this flop. A hand (for me) like A-Q is a reasonable holding. He has probably missed or flopped a set. If he has the balls to play back at me with 4-4 or something then I'm happy for him. He has outplayed me and he will win the pot.

In other words, "flop texture" really means "what hands and draw are likely to be out there given THESE cards on the flop."

Flop texture, by itself, isn't too interesting unless you have also got your opponents onto a range of hands.

This example also indicates why it is SO horrible to have an action player like Gus Hanson on your left. Very hard to put him on a hand and he might simply steal it from you.