Maximize your set value today!

Ok after fumbling around a bit with sets I think I got a pretty good handle on maximizing their overall value. What I say here applies to Low stakes NLHE (2 - 100 buy-in ).

With a set one should never check on the flop. Your goal is to get as much money into the pot as possible. If you check your obviously not doing that. I know it sucks calling raise after raise preflop with those low pocket pairs only to bet on flop and get no calls but that's the only way your going to win a lot with them. Don't make weak bets either, make bets at least 3/4 of the pot.

There are situations where I would only call a bet in front of me . I would only call if there was no draw on the board. If there was a draw I'd say re-raise at least 3x the initial bet. And unless theres some super obvious way your beaten like 9 T J all same suit and theres a raise and reraise ahead of you when you have trip nines push all-in, otherwise fold.

If flush chaser comes out with a bet of any decent size fold on the turn.

That's my current strategy and it seems to be working pretty well. If anyone has any thoughts on tweaking it by all means post away. :)

EDIT: IGNORE MY METHOD IT SUCKS, LOOK BELOW

I'm actually not sure I agree with this..

At low limits I always had just one line for stacking people with sets. Note, in this we're assuming that you have called someone elses raise preflop.

In position:
The opponent usually leads out on the flop. Unless there is some serious drawing oppertunities for his hand range (AA-TT, AK-AJ) then I just call. The turn is where I like do my raising. If he leads out then I'll 2.5x his bet and hopefully we get it all-in. Note that if the villian checks at any point in the hand then I take up the betting for him. At no point does he get an oppertunity for a free card.

Out of position:
I like to check the flop around to the preflop raiser. Usually he bets and I just call. Then I check-raise the turn and again hopefull get it all in. If he checks behind on the turn or just calls my raise then you have to bet into him on the river. Usually something like 1/2 pot is best.


The reason I think leaving the raising until the turn is because it lets the pot grow a bit and gives the villian a chance to feel pot commited in the hand. He thinks he can fold if I check-raise him because the pot is so big. Also I don't like taking control of the betting, i like the opponent to feel that he is being the aggressor and has the best hand.

Ok I just tryed ur method and I i'm up 4 buyins within an hour cuz of it so I guess I'll switch with your method :D

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Originally Posted by Murd0c

Ok I just tryed ur method and I i'm up 4 buyins within an hour cuz of it so I guess I'll switch with your method :D

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Where are you playing? I go 2 hours between catching sets. :?

Irisheyes has some good advice. Here is another little wrinkle you can add to your game too...

If you're out of position and highly suspect your opponent has an overpair, the weak lead works well. 1/3 - 1/2 pot size bet is about right. Particularly at the lower levels, the person with the overpair will often come way over the top. I like it better than the check-call because it often gets more money in the pot. I'll check to them on the turn allowing them to make a large bet which usually commits them. Like Irisheyes said, you want to try to get as much money in the pot to the point where they feel commited to putting it all in.

drtofu66, I play all pocket pairs even in raised pots and since I'm playing 2 tables at the same time I see my fair share. Also I was on a bit of a hot streak with hitting sets during that hour.

raising the turn is going to scare anyone with top pair away unless
1. its real micro limits 10nl/20nl
2. you are sat at great table (which you should be anyway) where opps are quite happy to lay top pair like the nutz or are too stupid to not recognise your aggression.

Imo, getting sets paid at 50nl or higher but mostly is about good flop not turn play. This requires the playing of some other hands preflop especially to raises and the balls to make plays with with
1. the worst hand
2. a hand that might get better but if played aggressivly will push opp his hand anyway.

Turn raises are such a give away imo.
on a related note i dont beleive in being pot committed but thats me.