Position and the blinds
From the first two seats, start from check and need a reason to deviate.
The button is worth more in this game than in any other, because two boards make twice as many turn and river changes and the player who acts last sees all of them before committing. From the first two seats you face seven players who can hold anything, and you will play the rest of the hand out of position. The default from there is a check, and it stays a check with hands that feel good: a set with nothing on the other board, a nut straight on a board that can pair or flush.
The exception is the first bet with a strong board, which earns from any seat. The difference between the two rules is the strength of the board, not the seat. A strong board bets; a decent board from a bad seat checks and sees what the table does.
In late position with everyone checked to you, two medium boards become a bet, to get heads up and play the rest in position. The same hand from the small blind is a check.
First or second to act on the flop: always check.
Today's hand on the table
A deal that shows what today is about, with the method at your seat. Step through it, or let it run. Deal again for another.
Day 9 · All thirty days · Day 11
THE 30-DAY COURSE
A plan for your next game.
One lesson. One drill set. A little more clarity at the table.