Probe Bet in Poker
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Bets in poker are commonly regarded as one of the most powerful weapons in any poker player’s arsenal. Rightly so, when used strategically the poker bets can pretty much knock out even the best of the players out of the game. Now, adding to the list of poker bets is another type by the name probe bet poker. Now, in this post, we have detailed the meaning of probe bet poker along with the top 2 tips for making probe bets in poker.
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Probe bet poker – Explanation
Probe bet is described as the type of bet that is fired out of position during the turn or river rounds when the initial raiser decides to check back the action during the flop round instead of putting a continuation bet. What is a continuation bet? Well, when a player who raised pre-flop decides to place a bet during the flop round as well, he is said to be placing a continuation bet, better-known as C-bet.
Now, let us understand the basic concept of probe bet poker using a short example:
Let’s assume you are playing a game of Texas Holdem against an opponent, say Mike. Here, Mike begins the action and open-raises (an open raise is the first raise during the pre-flop round). Thereafter, you immediately cold-call the action from the big blind (In Texas Holdem if a player raises preflop and another player calls then the second person is said to be cold-calling). Furthermore, you check the action on the flop out of position and Mike checks back the action instead of firing a C-bet. Now, if you decide to put a bet out of position during the turn round then you will be said to be putting a probe bet poker.
Otherwise known as feeler bet or blocker bet, the probe bet poker is actually quite valuable and when used correctly might just help you win the pot as well. Most poker players generally use probe bet poker for 3 distinct reasons:
1) To win the pot during the turn or river rounds
2) To take control and gain an upper-hand in the game
3) To gather information on the opponent and build a bluffing spot during the river round
Top 2 tips for making probe bets in poker
Having understood the basic meaning of probe bet poker, let us discuss the top 2 tips that you must consider before making probe bet poker in this section.
Consider the board texture
When it comes to probe bet poker, you must consider the board texture first and how it relates to your opponents and for that matter your hand range. Generally speaking, it is always considered a good idea to use probe bet poker when the flop shows lower ranked cards. This is precisely because with lower cards on the flop your opponents would likely have a hard time continuing with a C-bet even if the turn round shows a strong card. In such a situation by placing a probe bet poker you can easily take a lead and force your opponents to fold.
C-bet stats
One key benefit of playing online poker games is that they generally show poker stats of the players, this in turn can help you gain a perspective about your opponents. Now, based on poker stats there are generally two types of players. First are the types of players who have a low C-bet percentage and as such only continue when they have made hands such as a pocket pair. Without made hands these players usually check back on the flop and generally pose as ripe targets for a probe bet poker. By firing a probe bet on these players, you can expect them to fold most times. On the contrary are the high C-bet percentage players who usually have balanced ranges and understand frequencies. Against these players you must play cautiously and fire a probe bet only when you have premium hands.
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