Join Nathan 'BlackRain79' Williams as he uncovers the top three betting mistakes that many amateur poker players unknowingly make. Learn how to avoid these pitfalls and adopt a more strategic approach to betting in poker.
Nathan Williams: Nathan Williams, known as BlackRain79 in the poker community, is a distinguished poker player and author who has made a significant mark in online poker, particularly at small and mid stakes levels. Since starting his poker journey in 2004 with just $60, Nathan has turned his passion into a career, quitting his job in 2007 to play poker full-time. His dedication and strategic approach to the game have led to some of the highest winnings in online poker history for the stakes he played.
As an educator and author, he has written three best-selling poker books, widely recognized for their effective strategies and insights for players looking to improve their game. Nathan also runs BlackRain79Poker, a YouTube channel where he shares poker strategies and tips, helping both beginners and experienced players. His online content spans various aspects of poker, including pre-flop strategies, post-flop play, and psychological tactics, with a strong emphasis on aggressive play as a path to success.
With over a decade of experience in the field, Nathan has established himself as an authority in poker, offering coaching through his Elite Poker University and providing resources like his free poker 'cheat sheet' to players worldwide. His story is one of perseverance and triumph in the poker world, exemplifying that success is attainable for anyone with the right mindset and skills.
Avoiding Limping Pre-Flop: Always raise when first entering the pot instead of just calling to take control and assert dominance, which prevents stronger opponents from taking advantage.
Proper Pre-Flop Raising: Standardize bet sizing to 3x the big blind by default and adjust based on position (2.5x in late positions). This applies to all hands to maintain consistency and unpredictability.
Correct Three-Betting Pre-Flop: Use a 3x re-raise amount when in position and a 4x re-raise amount when out of position to give opponents a proper incentive to fold and charge them for trying to see a cheap flop.
Post-Flop Betting Strategy: Maintain aggression post-flop with continuation bets of 50% of the pot on the flop, regardless of hitting or missing, to apply pressure and create fold equity. On the turn and river, consider betting 75% of the pot to show seriousness whether bluffing or betting for value.
Consistency in Betting: Be consistent in betting patterns to avoid telegraphing hand strength and to keep opponents guessing, applying consistent pressure throughout the hand.
Basic Betting Mistake #1: Limping Pre-Flop: Explains that limping (just calling the blind pre-flop) is a mistake because it fails to take control of the pot, making it easier for opponents to exploit. Suggests raising 100% of the time when first to act in the pot, with standard raise amounts depending on position and game format.
Basic Betting Mistake #2: Incorrect Re-Raising Amounts: Addresses the common error of not re-raising (three-betting) pre-flop to the correct size, which can invite opponents to see a cheap flop. Recommends a 3x re-raise amount when in position and a 4x re-raise amount when out of position, based on the initial raise.
Basic Betting Mistake #3: Insufficient Post-Flop Pressure: Discusses the failure to continue applying pressure post-flop through adequate bet sizing and betting in the right situations. Advocates for consistent aggression with continuation bets on the flop, and stronger bets on the turn and river (75% of the pot) to convey seriousness, whether betting for value or as a bluff.
Aggressive Poker is Winning Poker: Underlines the theme that aggressive play and taking control of the hand is crucial for successful poker, as opposed to playing passively and allowing others to dominate the game.
Positional Awareness: Highlights the importance of understanding one's position at the table, especially the profitability of late positions like the cutoff and the button, and adjusting bet sizes accordingly.
Bet Sizing Standardization: Emphasizes the need to standardize bet sizing regardless of the hand strength to avoid giving away information and to maintain a consistent strategy.
Skill Development Resources: Mentions that the video creator has written books and produced other videos for those interested in deeper learning and skill development in poker.
This article is a summary of the video 3 Basic Betting Mistakes Most Amateurs Don't Know About by BlackRain79Poker published on December 31, 2021 at 11:09:55.
Q: What is limping in poker, and why should I avoid it? A: Limping in poker is just calling the blind pre-flop instead of raising. It is seen as a passive move that signals weakness and allows aggressive players to dominate the pot by raising over your limp. To maintain control and assertiveness, it's better to raise when you're the first into the pot, setting a tone of strength and deterring opponents.
Q: How much should I raise pre-flop in poker? A: A standard pre-flop raise is typically three times the big blind. If you are in a late position and attempting to steal the blinds, you can reduce the raise to around 2.5 times the big blind. Consistent bet sizing regardless of your hand strength is key to prevent opponents from reading your strategy.
Q: What is a three-bet and how should I size it correctly? A: A three-bet is a re-raise pre-flop after an opponent has already raised. The correct sizing for a three-bet depends on your position. In position (acting after the flop), multiply the original raise by three. Out of position, multiply it by four to compensate for the disadvantage and put more pressure on opponents to fold.
Q: How should I continue aggression post-flop? A: After raising pre-flop, you should continue to apply pressure post-flop whether you hit or miss. Betting around 50% of the pot on the flop sets a price for opponents to continue, and if you decide to bet on the turn and river, increase the size to about 75% of the pot to convey a strong message that you're serious, either as a continuation of your strong hand or as a bluff.
Q: What are the consequences of not raising the right amounts in poker? A: Incorrect bet sizing can give your opponents the right odds to call and potentially outdraw you on future streets. It's important to raise enough pre-flop to discourage weak hands from seeing a cheap flop and to bet appropriately post-flop to either extract value or convince opponents to fold.
Q: Why is it important to bet consistently with both strong and weak hands? A: Betting consistently with a wide range of hands makes it difficult for opponents to read your strategy. It allows you to win pots by either having the best hand or forcing opponents to fold, whereas passive play limits your options and makes you predictable.