Blocker Bets

Blocker Bets – Blocking Bets Poker Strategy – Blocker bets are bets that are made with the intention of slowing down the action. The true goal is to “block” the other player(s) from forcing the action in a way that would not be to your advantage. There are a variety of different ways in which a blocker bet can be used and their effectiveness will vary from game to game. You will find that a blocker bet will work extremely well in one limit, but be thwarted time and time again at another.

As you move up in limit’s the players are much better and are able to pick off blocker bets with relative ease. If you want to use a blocker bet you must know exactly what you are aiming to achieve and have a game plan prepared. One of the major mistakes that players make when using a blocker bet is not knowing why they are making a blocker bet.

If you don’t know why you are making one it will be that much harder to pull it off. For example, you might be making a blocker bet with a flush draw, but you might also be making one with a middle pair type hand. These two different situations will require a slightly different play. If you apply the same plays to different situations it will be difficult to make your blocker bets effective.

Common Situations Where Blocking Bets Can Be Used

There are two common spots where players will typically try to use blocker bets. The first situation is when a player is on a draw of some sort. They will try to make a blocker bet in an attempt to see cards at the lowest cost possible.

For example, say someone flops a flush draw and the pot is $21 at .50/1, a blocker bet would be around the $8 range, where a value bet would be closer to $14 or $16. Players make these types of bets all the time, but the fact is that they are incredibly ineffective. This all goes back to needing a game plan.

Pretend that you do hit your flush on the turn or river, how are you going to make any decent money from it? The only way to extract value would be to make a huge bet, but the other players will pick up on this quickly. If you lead for a small amount on a draw heavy board and then bomb the pot when the draw completes it will be fairly obvious that you have a flush. It is a terrible strategy to play in such a translucent manner.

The other common spot for a blocker bet is when a player is holding a hand with moderate, but not great, strength. These bets are usually made on the river in an attempt to see a cheap showdown. Players who make this type of blocker bet are afraid of what their opponent will do if they check. Blocker bets with small made hands are better than blocker bets when on a draw.

If you are raised it will be easy to fold your hand, and if you get called you will take down the pot a decent amount of the time. Add in the times where you force a fold and you have a profitable play.

SUMMARY: Blocker Bets – Poker Strategy

Blocker bets are used by many poker players, but there are certain situations where they are rendered useless. The proper implementation of a blocker bet is crucial for any player who is looking to turn a profit. If you use blocker bets in the wrong way it is a near certainty that you will be bleeding money.