STOP C-Betting Out of Position (It's Costing You Money) | Upswing Poker Level-Up

Summary

In this Upswing Poker Level Up podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Poker Pro Gary Blackwood delve into the strategy of continuation betting (c-betting) out of position in single raise pots. They discuss the importance of adopting a passive and defensive approach when out of position, as opposed to the aggressive c-betting common in-position. The episode explores various flop scenarios, offering insights on when to check, c-bet, or check-raise, emphasizing the need to adjust play based on the board texture and opponent's range. Listeners are also directed to Gary Blackwood's comprehensive module for an in-depth understanding of out of position play.

Takeaways

• 🎲 Playing out of position as the pre-flop raiser is often misplayed, requiring a more passive and defensive strategy compared to playing in position.
• 🔍 Understanding the strategic 'why' behind out of position c-betting is crucial, as it helps in making informed decisions rather than just following generic advice.
• 📉 The wide range of hands played out of position can be at a significant disadvantage against a narrow range of hands that the opponent might have when they call pre-flop.
• 👀 Being out of position makes playing more difficult, as the opponent in position can easily exploit this by floating wide and making life miserable on the turn.
• 🚫 Over-c-betting out of position can lead to check folding too often, thus it's better to start with a passive defensive strategy by checking more often.
• 🌳 Flops that are low and unpaired, such as nine-high and below, are particularly bad for the pre-flop raiser out of position and warrant checking the entire range.
• 🔄 The equity of the pre-flop raiser can be lower than expected on certain flops, even with strong hands like overpairs or sets, due to the connected nature of the board.
• 📈 Against loose opponents who call with a wide range, the strategy needs to be adjusted as the dynamics of a wide range versus a narrow range are no longer applicable.
• 🚀 Check-raising out of position should be backed up with a solid strategy, focusing on value hands that the opponent will call with worse and bluffs that will make them fold their weakest hands.
• 💡 Live players often make mistakes by betting too often for 'protection' on certain flops, which can be exploited by having a well-balanced check-raising strategy.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in this podcast episode?

The main topic discussed in this podcast episode is c-betting out of position in single raise pots in poker.

Why is playing out of position as the pre-flop raiser considered challenging?

Playing out of position as the pre-flop raiser is challenging because it requires a more passive and defensive strategy compared to playing in position. Many players tend to c-bet too often, which can leave money on the table.

What is the primary reason for adopting a passive and defensive strategy when out of position?

The primary reason for adopting a passive and defensive strategy when out of position is how the player's range stacks up against the opponent's range. A wide range up against a narrow range tends to fare poorly on many board textures.

What is the significance of the board texture in determining the c-betting strategy?

The board texture is significant because it affects the equity of the hands in play. Certain board textures favor the pre-flop raiser, while others favor the caller, influencing the decision to c-bet or check.

Why is it important to consider the opponent's range when deciding to c-bet out of position?

It is important to consider the opponent's range because it helps determine the equity of the player's hand relative to the opponent's. This can affect the decision to c-bet or check, as well as the frequency of these actions.

What is the typical c-betting frequency on flops that are not favorable for the pre-flop raiser?

On flops that are not favorable for the pre-flop raiser, the typical c-betting frequency is very low, often involving checking the entire range.

What types of flops are considered 'middling' for the pre-flop raiser, and how should they be played?

Flops like Q-9-2, Q-7-3, and K-6-4 are considered 'middling' for the pre-flop raiser. They should be played with a lower c-betting frequency, around 25-35% of the time.

How should players adjust their c-betting and check-raising strategies against opponents who play very loosely?

Against very loose opponents, players should adjust their c-betting and check-raising strategies by c-betting more often, as the opponent's range is not narrow and the equity disadvantage is reduced.

What are some examples of flops that are considered good for the pre-flop raiser and warrant frequent c-betting?

Examples of good flops for the pre-flop raiser include high paired boards like K-J-6 rainbow, K-K-4, Q-Q-9, and J-J-T, where c-betting can be more liberal.

Why is it recommended to check-fold low equity hands on middling boards when out of position?

It is recommended to check-fold low equity hands on middling boards when out of position because the c-betting frequency is low, and these hands are less likely to improve on subsequent streets.

What additional resource is recommended for players who want to dive deeper into playing out of position?

Gary Blackwood's module in the lab titled 'Single Raise Pots After the Button Calls Pre-flop' is recommended for players who want to dive deeper into playing out of position.