Mastering the Check-Raised Flop: Part 2

In this second installment of our series on check-raising the flop, we’ll explore strategies to adopt when the turn completes a straight. This article assumes familiarity with the concepts discussed in Part 1, where we focused on flush-completing turns. If you haven’t read it yet, consider revisiting it for a deeper understanding of these strategies.

At a Glance

• Focus: Playing after a check-raise on the flop.
• Turn Scenarios: 7x, 9x, Tx, and Qx.
• Strategies: Polarized vs. Merged betting approaches.
• Key Concepts: Nut advantage, bluffing, and aggression.

Understanding the Scenario

We begin with the Button having open-raised and you defending from the Big Blind. The flop revealed Js 8s 2d, prompting the Button to make a 75% pot continuation bet. You responded with a 3.5x check-raise, which the Button called. At this stage, we need to consider the implications of various turn cards that complete straights.

Identifying the Straight-Completing Turns

There are 12 possible turn cards that complete straights: 7x, 9x, Tx, and Qx, each available in three suits. Analyzing these turns reveals their impact on your overall strategy:

• 7x Turns: These show the lowest betting frequency.
• Qx Turns: These require the highest betting frequency.

Strategically, straight-completing turns rank second only to flush-completing turns in terms of equity distribution.

Analyzing the 7x Turn

The 7h turn completes open-ended straight draws for both players, creating a symmetrical nut distribution. This lack of nut advantage necessitates a more defensive approach. Since you’re out of position, the goal is to protect your equity while allowing your gutshots to realize their potential.

If you don’t adopt a defensive strategy, the Button could exploit this by range-betting with smaller sizes, stripping away your gutshots’ equity. To counteract this, consider mixing in slowplays with your strong hands about 20% of the time. This creates a trap for the Button, allowing you to check-raise aggressively with high-equity hands.

Exploring the 9x and Tx Turns

Both the 9h and Th turns complete gutshot straight draws, generating numerous middle-pair-plus-draw combinations. These hands are crucial in understanding the range-versus-range dynamics in this spot. Your range holds a significant advantage due to the nut asymmetry created by these turns.

For instance, after the flop, your opponent folded nearly 50% of their gutshots due to your large continuation bet. Therefore, on these turns, you can afford to play aggressively, leveraging your equity advantage. The 9h and Th turns allow you to apply pressure on your opponent, forcing them to fold many of their top pairs and flush draws.

Strategic Betting on the Th Turn

When the Th turn appears, the strategy shifts. A 75% pot bet can fold out many of the Button’s top pairs, such as QT, while still getting called by weaker hands like T9 and flush draws. This approach maximizes your expected value (EV) by putting pressure on your opponent’s range.

Moreover, the solver’s strategy suggests that as the in-position player, aggression is key. For example, the solver opts to jam all-in 21% of the time on the Th turn, focusing on value with two-pairs and sets, while utilizing bluffs effectively.

Exploiting Opponent Tendencies

Despite the solver’s aggressive strategies, many players tend to be more risk-averse in practice. This presents an opportunity for you to exploit their tendencies by bluffing more aggressively. Your bluffs are likely to realize their equity better than the solver anticipates, as it balances against a more competent opponent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding how to navigate straight-completing turns after a check-raise is crucial for maximizing your equity. By recognizing the nuances of each turn and adjusting your strategy accordingly, you can maintain a competitive edge over your opponents.

Reader Q&A

What should I do if I hit a straight on the turn?

If you hit a straight on the turn, consider the nut advantage and your opponent’s range. Aggressively bet to extract value while protecting your hand.

How can I identify weak spots in my opponent’s strategy?

Look for patterns in their betting behavior, especially when facing aggression. If they fold often to larger bets, you can exploit this by increasing your bluff frequency.

What are the best hands to check-raise on the flop?

Hands with strong equity, such as draws or two-pairs, are ideal candidates for check-raising, as they can apply pressure and create a favorable situation for you.