Theory of Calling...

**Ottawa Mike** · 05-19-2005

I'd like to talk about calling in all situations. Let me start a list and see if we can come up with some guidelines.

PF - Calling is "limping in" if there has been no raise. This is usually a weak play if you have average cards or a slow play if you have premium cards. Comment? Is this the same for calling a raise?

Flop - Calling a bet after the flop could be a smooth call where you disguise your strong hand. Or calling could be due to getting pot odds on a drawing hand. Comments?

Turn - Similar to flop?

River - Calling is either because you think you have the best hand or you think your opponent(s) is bluffing. Comments?

The reason I bring this up is because I read awhile ago (can't recall where) and I also keep hearing that calling is usually a weak play. We all know what a Calling Station is and we certainly don't want to be one of those.

Lately, I have revised my play to force myself in many situations to either raise or fold instead of call. It appears that my success has increased (SnG and MTT) as a result of this change in play style. For example, I now rarely limp in PF except when there have been several limpers and I don't detect a raise coming.

**Izenra** · 05-19-2005

(most of the time people...)
Preflop: Limping mean PP to crap like KT.
Flop : If there is a draw, call with shitty pot odd. If no draw, slow down on turn.
turn: continuation
river: Calling the river is in theory one of the worst play you can make.

Although, rightly calling is situational and in relation to people you play against.

**bonchkid** · 05-19-2005

Originally Posted by Ottawa Mike

River - Calling is either because you think you have the best hand or you think your opponent(s) is bluffing. Comments?

Haha, no calling the river is when you feel you will have the best hand enough in relation to your pot odds. When its head-up by the river in a Limit game, you should almost always call if you ahve any time of hand. Obviously this isn't ALWAYS the case, but its pretty close.

About you think your opponent is bluffing: You can't call solely on this. If i have 9 high should I call because I know he is bluffing but don't know his hand? Of course not.

**growlers** · 05-19-2005

In limit only, not calling the river when you might, just might, have the best hand is a huge mistake. You have to be almost absolutely sure you are beat to fold on the river to one bet. The only exception is when the pot is very small, i.e. checked on the flop and turn. The pot is usually large enough in small stakes that you only have to win 10-15% over time of these questionable hands on the river to make calling right. People bluff on the river all the time with busted draws, etc, and it is hard to know every time what they have - you have to call with any hand that can beat a bluff unless it is REALLY clear you are beat.
Now if I have been the drawer say trying to get a straight with 8-9 and it busted, then that would be the exception you speak of - that is either raise or fold situation with your 9/board high.

edit: Bonch, didn't refresh my browser so didn't see you posted almost the same thing! Ha Ha

**ABigKid** · 05-19-2005

Big diff between limit and NL. Lots of river calls in limit if you get pot odds and have any chance of winning.

In no limit calling is almost always a poor play.

"I now rarely limp in PF except when there have been several limpers and I don't detect a raise coming."

This is perfect especially like on the button with A3 suited or a small pair. Either you hit or you fold. Any other hand thats worth playing you want to
A) Get the blinds out
B) Make the action check to you on the flop.

**itsMrHankey2u** · 05-19-2005

I hate these approaches to the game. I think its basically on the same lines as Harrington in his book when he talks about amatuers asking him questions. They ask very vague questions without all the necessary information. There is no short cut in poker. There is no if...then strategy that you can beat the game over night. Sadly you understand this more as a more experience player and believe it less until then.

**bonchkid** · 05-19-2005

Originally Posted by growlers

edit: Bonch, didn't refresh my browser so didn't see you posted almost the same thing! Ha Ha

56 minutes later? Come on refresh after going out to eat

**Diggler** · 05-19-2005

I just found that by playing on really low limits that I hated losing, and made sure i got better. I rarely post any hands on here b/c I'm so busy playing when I have a spare chance! Play play play is my only suggestion. Too much analyzing leads to not playing b/c your unsure of what to do - this is my humble opinion btw....so if you're already playing, keep doing it, and post when you can, read books when you can, a great book for this is :Small Stakes Hold EM or SSH by Miller - it gives good examples like bonch described on pot odds vs call. Here's a link if you want to see (unless you haven't read it already)

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...42352?v=glance

Gluck!

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