Real hand or fold
Facing a bet, the question is not the price. It is whether you hold a real hand.
Most flops in a lively game come with a bet already in front of you. The pot odds will often look fine, and the pot odds are the wrong question, because they are computed for one board and you can usually win only half.
The rule: a safe nuts on one board (nut flush, nut full house, quads) with strength on the other is the only hand that raises. Red on a board calls, and does not raise; let the bettor keep betting into you. A draw to the nuts with eight or more outs calls once, and folds the turn if it misses and faces another bet. Everything else folds: two pair, a middle set, trips on a paired board, a non-nut straight, a non-nut flush. Even when the table says the price is right.
In our simulations this rule alone was worth about seven chips a hand more than calling by price at an aggressive table. It is the rule that turns a losing night into a small one.
Two pair is backup, not a reason to lead the action.
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 14 · All thirty days · Day 16
THE 30-DAY COURSE
A plan for your next game.
One lesson. One drill set. A little more clarity at the table.