Blocking Bet?

[PAnimal]

I have just read atleast half a dozen post talking about thorowing a blocking bet down on the river to test the opponent.

Is there a post somewhere (could not find by searching site) or could somone inform me on the correct way and situations you should do this in. I understand the concept, just wanted some more concrete information.

Thanks,

[SinkRox]

I think its not so much for info, more for getting to showdown at a good price on the river when your OOP. Its when you think youve got the best hand, but have some doubt - you don't want to check the river and give your oponent a chance to bluff at the pot.

the only probly i find with blocking bets on the river are they're quite transparent... last time i made one with AK 2pair my op had called down, missed his fd then re-raised the river anyway (pot sized) and i had a very hard call to make.

would like to hear other peoples thoughts on blocking bets, eg bet size when at river, and the use of blocking bets thru the flop or turn???

[BankItDrew]

Blocking bets are easy to make against a player that would be pot commited to push AI if you bet enough of his stack. Example, if the pot is $100 and his stack size is $75 - bet half of his stack. This may put you to a tough decision (although you would now be pot commited) if he calls, but at least you are putting the pressure on him first and not the other way around. This is also an excellent bluffing bet because it could push him off, or you can save $32.50.

If his stack is not smaller than the pot, I would suggest betting 2/5 - 1/2 pot.

If you are the short stack, what blocking bet do you have other than a push?

[Pelion]

In my experience blocking bets should only be made with reads. Against a weak player who will bet a decent hand but not raise, and call with weak hands, you can make a blocking bet which is also a value bet because you expect him to call with alot of weak hands but also not try and bluff you.

The prerequisites for a blocking bet are:

1) You have a semi-decent hand that is worth seeing a showdown with.
2) Your hand is not good enough to call a big bet with even though you have a reasonable chance to win the hand.
3)Your opponent will only raise you with hands that beat you (i.e. you can safely fold if he raises).

If all 3 are true, then a blocking bet is a way of pricing your showdown. If any of these are not true then it is better to just check/call or check/fold IMO.


Usually in low stakes no limit holdem games "blocking bets" are totally ineffective minbets made by fish who want to see a card for free and hope you wont raise them. My standard response to most blocking minbets is to raise them with any 2 cards. They usually fold and sometimes call and then fold the next card when a blank hits. Very rarely do they turn over a hand. Do watch out for the players who minbet trips in an effort to slowplay them though.

[finky]

The prerequisites for a blocking bet are:

1) You have a semi-decent hand that is worth seeing a showdown with.
2) Your hand is not good enough to call a big bet with even though you have a reasonable chance to win the hand.
3)Your opponent will only raise you with hands that beat you (i.e. you can safely fold if he raises).

If all 3 are true, then a blocking bet is a way of pricing your showdown. If any of these are not true then it is better to just check/call or check/fold IMO.

Perfect answer.