I have noticed a trend lately.

I raise in position pre-flop and get one caller. They then bet into me 2x or more the size of the pot. This gives me horrible pot odds for any drawing hand, however I am unsure how to react with my marginal hands. I would think that if they were strong they would check raise me... but then again I am playing at NL02 so players are not allways as sophisticated to think about extracting max value.

What are your thoughts? Do you think this portrays strength or shows weakness?

Usually I would say it shows weakness, but at those stakes, I would say 7/10 times they actually have it and just don't quite know how to play it.

It's going to be a mixture of overplayed draws and poorly played strong hands. Which unintentionally balances their range, making it hard to play against.

Just keep track of how often they play like this, if they do it very often, it is less likely it is a legitimate hand. You might be able to open up your calling range but unfortunately this is also high variance, as they can often hit a hand without you being aware.

You can't really do much with your marginal hands (Draws and weak made hands alike), so you end up having to fold. One idea is you might be able to play your nut draws aggressively as a semibluff, if you expect to have some fold equity (some "bullies" don't like to showdown their bluff), but research and fully understand the situation before you try this.

Originally Posted by Ipokergood

Usually I would say it shows weakness, but at those stakes, I would say 7/10 times they actually have it and just don't quite know how to play it.

Seems like a strong hand but what you should do is to mentally track (if you dont have the actual tracking software) players overbetting the pot. If it is the same guy who is always overbetting out of position then you have a tell but if raises are coming from all over the table then I guess youre facing a strong hand.

Originally Posted by freddy

Seems like a strong hand but what you should do is to mentally track (if you dont have the actual tracking software) players overbetting the pot. If it is the same guy who is always overbetting out of position then you have a tell but if raises are coming from all over the table then I guess youre facing a strong hand.

I make notes, but I'm always able to get a good feel for the other players fairly quick. I don't need a poker tracking software. I run just fine without, lol. And I most definitely wouldn't be caught dead playing at the penny tables. But thanks for the advise, lmao.

Originally Posted by Ipokergood

Usually I would say it shows weakness, but at those stakes, I would say 7/10 times they actually have it and just don't quite know how to play it.

Every player is different, you cant make a clear judgement like that. Stakes are irrelevant

Stakes may be irrelevant. I just know I see freqnetly a $3 bet into a .05 pot

Originally Posted by neathandwriting

Every player is different, you cant make a clear judgement like that. Stakes are irrelevant

I dissagree on the stakes being irrelevent. I have seen to many people who are new to the game that don't quite understand how to bet for value. I know at that stake it's mostly people who are new to the game, or are just not that skilled. I'm willing to bet 7/10 times they are overplaying a good hand. No one in there right mind is going to bluff over and over just to try and win a few pennies. Either way, I have never played those stakes and never will becasue I actually know how to profit in this wonderful world of poker. As making pennies will add up, but way to slowly for this man. I like to play real poker against people who actually care to spend their winnings on something larger then a happy meal.

Originally Posted by Ipokergood

As making pennies will add up, but way to slowly for this man. I like to play real poker against people who actually care to spend their winnings on something larger then a happy meal.

Thats kind of a harsh thing to say.....I would LOVE to move up in stakes, but my bankroll just doesn't cut it. I'm sure the same can be said about a few others here.