Push or pull
Does your hand want people out, or in?
Before every bet, one question: does this hand want opponents to leave, or to stay? Most hands on the flop and turn want them to leave. Fewer opponents means fewer ways to be outdrawn, your non-nut draws get better, and two medium hands are worth a lot against one player and almost nothing against five. That is a pot-sized bet.
A few hands want them to stay. The nuts on a quiet board, with no draws to fear, earns from every extra caller: a small bet. A big draw to the nuts also likes company, because when it hits it is the nuts and the pot is bigger. And on the river, nuts on one board with nothing on the other is a push: bet the pot, hoping everyone folds and you take the whole thing instead of half.
The trainer's coach makes this choice for you and tells you which one it made. Watch for it in today's spots: the same red board gets a small bet on a paired, quiet pair of boards and a pot bet on wild ones.
First to act into a crowd: check, even with a good hand.
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 10 · All thirty days · Day 12
THE 30-DAY COURSE
A plan for your next game.
One lesson. One drill set. A little more clarity at the table.