No Limit Holden Tactics: the Turn
It is a fact that the flop is critical to your hand, but the turn is even more so, and this is something that few No Limit players realize. The fact is that, properly played, the turn can decide the outcome of the entire hand.
However, before you begin to use the turn properly, there are some No Limit strategies that you will have to include in your game. First of all, and most important, is that you must be willing to put money on the turn. While a lot of players seem willing to bet a lot pre and on the flop, they often hesitate on the turn.
This may be of course, due to the fact that the bets are more substantial by this point, but if your No Limit hand is good enough for the flop, most of the time it will also be good for the turn. Of course you will have to put in more money, but that is just part of the game. Simply put, you cannot win the pot in No Limit if you do not put in anything.
Just as there are times when you should bet on the turn in No Limit, there will be times when you should not. This is of course, if the board has helped your opponent. One way to do this is to just check the board for any Aces or face cards, suited or flush possibilities.
When they are present, you need to assess if your hand is strong enough to withstand the pressure from these hands should your opponent make the correct draw.
You should also fold on the turn if a tight player makes a big raise, as this can mean that he has something that can beat your hand. Usually, as re raise from any player should be sufficient reason to fold the turn in No Limit, but if it comes from a habitual loose cannon, then you may want to proceed with the bet.
However, you should also consider the size of the wager, and the amount that you can win. Ask yourself if it is worth it.
Of course there are many other ways that you can play the turn in No Limit. The key here is to play as many games as you can. This will open you up to more situations and allow you to make the proper plays and adjustments.
Keep this in mind every time you play the turn, and you will gain a firm grasp on how to use it to your benefit.
