Ask a Pro – Phil Hellmuth
Thursday, December 25, 2008 - smokin_aces
As a special holiday treat, this week Phil has chosen a question to answer.
Racer submitted a very well thought out, in depth question that Phil answered in two parts.
Racer
“Hi Phil! I have a question about pot odds, fold equity, and big stack play.
For example: say you have above avg. stack, final few tables with the blinds 2,4k., and fairly tight table.
You are in position to make a raise from the button,no callers behind you, with the SB and BB slightly less than you. Say your holding something like A,10,or less, or maybe K,Q, or even small PP. Because this situation looks like a ’steal’, do you ever have the mindset of ’sizing’ your raise in regards to the blinds stack, in case of a re-shove from your opponent so your getting around 2:1 on your money?”
Phil Hellmuth
“Absolutely, if i have a real hand like A-10 or K-Q on the button, then a lot of times I will make a big raise, like to 16 or even 20K to show that I have something, and that I’m committed to play for a reraise. Then again, i may decide that A-10 on the button is good enough for me, and open for 12k with the intent of calling a shove. I use the second tactic when I feel a player is super aggressive and pretty loose with his move ins.”
Racer
“On the flip side, in a similar situation (except possibly a few seats away from the button)do you have the mindset leaving yourself some fold equity in case of a re-shove?
Im sure sure table dynamics and reads on opponents plays a huge part of this, but i just find my big stack play could use some improving, so maybe some helpful hints and some insight from the worlds greatest player could help!”
Phil Hellmuth
“Well, generally speaking, if I’m playing tight, then they know i have something when i pop it up. Assuming a reraise, then at that point I do trust my reads, and that is the part that I cannot teach, the part that you need to improve through practice, practice, practice. I have made calls with K-Q (no too often), thinking that they have 9-9 or 10-10, and when I’m right—most of the the time—I look pretty good. i have also folded A-Q, and looked pretty good when they show A-K. Reads are what separates the greatest players from the great players. If you are weak on reading ability, then you can still use a reasoned, well though out, and primarily mathematical approach. In general, when they reraise you, assuming that you’re playing tight, then they have a strong hand. Especially in deep stack poker, and especially late in the tournament.
Let me take a moment to wish everyone out there Happy Holidays! May we all be blessed and have great 2009’s!”
Tags: Ask A Pro, big stack play, Fold Equity, happy holidays, Phil Hellmuth, Pot Odds, Pro Answers, table dynamics
