A very open ended c/r question

[arkady]

Hey fellas,

This is a general question regarding the check raise or raise on the flop when a possible str8 or flush are on the board. Are there any clear signs that the raise indicates a draw and a raise to see the free card? Or perhaps quite the opposite, protecting a vulnerable 2 pair, over pair? Anyone with a great deal of experience have any clues they use to spot the difference?

Also, someone mentioned earlier that after a raise a turn bet typically indicates the continuation of the flush draw...really? Cant see an LP player bet the turn after everyone checked to him/her if he had nothing, if he really is going for the free card - take it...

I know there are a lot of elements to this question, but I am most interested in identifying the flop behavior, if thats even possible.

[Louie Landale]

Telling the difference between aggression with draws and aggression with the goods is mostly a function of the opponent's style.

Many weak-tight players NEVER bet draws, even over-card straight flush draws: partly out of temperment and partly because they "don't want to lose customers when they make the hand". When such a player raises when there are 3 to a flush out there ...

Many players routinely slow-play good hands. When these players raise the flop its almost always a draw or a pair.

Other players may BET draws but rarely RAISE with them.

You need to spend time profiling players at the table so when this situation comes up you'll have a good idea what to do.

- Louie

PS. Don't get carried away. With 3 to a suit out there and a slow-player bets, lets not raise with bottom pair since even if he only HAS a draw he STILL has 15 outs against you and is even money; not counting the times he or someone else actually has you beat.