Thursday, December 25, 2008

Poker Strategy - The Checkdown

The "checkdown" is when someone is all-in with a 3 or more handed pot and all players not all-in check each street down to the river in hopes one of them has the all-in player beat. This should be put in any serious poker player's arsenal. If you find yourself on the bubble or close to a new payout level, this tool can be what see's you through to the bigger money.
The check down can be a powerhouse poker strategy tool that, if everyone in the hand is on board, will help get that pesky short stack out and put more money in your bankroll.

For this to be effective, no one should bet unless they hold the absolute nuts.

There are situations when you may want to be the "idiot who keeps shorties in", in other words bluffing all players out knowing you're going to lose.

If the short stack is sitting out or very short, you are not committed to the pot, AND If the second and/or third player in the hand with you will significantly benefit from the win, you may want to bet these players off even if you know you're beat.

This accomplishes 2 things.... - It keeps the short stack short enough for you to possibly do battle with them in a future hand. - It keeps your opponents from picking up anymore chips to combat you with later.

For this to be successful, you have to have a large chip stack, you have to have a pristine read on your table, and you have to have a decent hand just in case you get called.

I have used this a few times and it has worked flawlessly. Be cautious though, be sure you have the correct stipulations or you could very well be "That Idiot."